The Ghana Chamber of Mines has renewed calls for reforms to Ghana’s mineral revenue distribution framework, proposing that at least 30 per cent of mineral royalties be allocated directly to mining communities.
Speaking at the press conference, the Chamber’s CEO, Kenneth Ashigbey, said many infrastructure deficits in mining areas stem from weaknesses in the current revenue-sharing architecture rather than a lack of contribution from mining companies.
According to the Chamber, the three main mining companies operating in Tarkwa — Gold Fields Ghana, Ghana Manganese Company and AngloGold Ashanti’s Iduapriem Mine — paid approximately GHS5.1 billion in taxes in 2024 alone.
However, the Chamber noted that only a small portion of mineral royalty revenues currently reaches host communities and local assemblies.
It is precisely in recognition of this structural imbalance that the Chamber has consistently and formally advocated for a minimum statutory allocation of 30% of mineral royalty receipts to mining communities,” Ashigbey stated.
The Chamber said improving local development outcomes would require stronger accountability systems and better utilisation of mineral revenues by district assemblies.
It also highlighted the extensive social investments undertaken by mining companies over the years, including roads, hospitals, education and youth development programmes.
The Chamber revealed that the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation alone has invested nearly US$110 million in community projects since 2002.
Addressing the developmental deficits confronting Tarkwa and other mining areas requires recalibrating the fiscal distribution framework and improving local revenue utilisation and accountability mechanisms,” Ashigbey
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