‘Mining Coys Not Responsible For Dev’t’

By Esther Awuah

Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, Omanhene of Assin Kushea has stated emphatically that mining companies are not solely responsible for undertaking developmental projects in areas in which they operate.

He noted that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a form of escapism for politicians who do not perform their duties, thereby inciting inhabitants of some communities to revolt against the mining companies.

He said “mining companies are always expected to build schools, clinic, roads and all manner of things. If people expect mining companies to provide all these things, what then is the duty of government?”

He indicated that even though mining companies undertake CSR projects, it does not mean they are mandated to do so.

He added that “it was about time the Ghana Chamber of Mines state clearly to government that mining companies are not the government. When the government is aware of that then it can come down to the level of the ordinary  person and explain things to them.”

Nana Prah Agyensaim was speaking at the 2^nd Mining for Development forum organized by the Ghana Chamber of Mines on the theme, ‘Mining for Development: Thinking outside the box.’

The Omanhene also noted that irrespective of their contribution towards national development, mining companies were constantly being bashed for no reason.

“If they get the bashing even from the unfortunate rural illiterates, one could understand it. But sometimes the government, who is supposed to know better rather does that.”

He therefore called on the Chamber to be more proactive in executing its mandate.

“The Chamber of Mines has in the past been too friendly with the government. They must begin to recognize that they are there to serve the interest of mining companies,” Nana Prah Agyensaim emphasised.

In advising mining companies, Nana Prah Agyensaim said “mining companies are managing a commodity that cannot be replenished. They therefore have a morale duty to ensure a different form of replenishment – which is educating and training young men and women in their host communities with employable skills.”

Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Mines, in his presentation, said the perception held by most Ghanaians that the country was not benefitting enough from its mineral wealth was wrong.

He said “we are the second leading producer of gold on the continent after South Africa, but most Ghanaians think the country is not getting a fair share of the resource. This can be attributed to the lack of knowledge and understanding of how the industry operates.”

He noted that despite the huge taxes that mining companies pay to government they were committed to ensuring that host communities and the country as a whole benefit from the rich resource.

The forum, which attracted civil society groups and stakeholders in the mining industry, created the platform for discussions on issues related to mining and proposed alternative solutions with the aim of positioning the mining industry as a catalyst for development.