Perseus Mining signs GH¢1.5m dev’t fund with communities

Mining communities must refrain from making unnecessary demands and putting undue pressure on mining firms operating in their areas, in order to ensure peaceful co-existence amongst them, Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, the Board Chairman of Perseus Mining Ghana Limited and Omanhene of Kushia Traditional Council said.

“The rate at which communities put undue pressure on mining companies and make outrageous demands is worrying and does not create an enabling investor-friendly environment.”
Nana Agyensaim made the call during the launch of the Edikan Community Development Fund, initiated by the mining firm.

The launch also marked the official signing of a development agreement between the company and five catchment communities including Abenabena, Ayanfuri, Nkonya, Gyaman and Fobinso, which will see the company set aside an initial development seed money of  GH¢1.5milion towards the socio-economic development of the communities.

Nana Agyensaim VI observed that instead of concentrating their attention on fighting mining firms located within their communities, stakeholders, opinion leaders and other pressure groups must hold their political leaders accountable and ensure that the royalties, corporate taxes and other taxes given to government are judiciously used for the benefit of local communities.

“I am not by this saying that catchment communities do not have the right to demand development projects from mining companies located within their communities, but sometimes some of the demands are completely outrageous.

“Let’s not forget these companies pay corporate taxes, royalties, salary of workers and other financial commitments; so we must bear with them and give them the enabling environment to operate,” he observed.

Mr. Wayne Nicolletto, General Manager of Perseus Ghana Mining Company Limited, explained that the company will contribute GH¢750,000 annually into the fund for the development of its impacted communities.

He said the package did not include other social interventions and educational incentives which the company has regularly provided to residents of host communities over the years.

“The signing of the agreement demonstrates the company’s commitment to development of host communities. As a socially responsible mining company, we want to add value to the lives of our community members while doing our business.”

“The future of the company is dependent on its ability to add value by sustainably developing, operating and closing operations to the satisfaction of their stakeholders.

Perseus Mining will focus on fostering enduring relationships and partnerships with the communities in which they operate, and support community development, capacity building and social infrastructure improvement.

“We see the development of this mine as a shared interest -- the company and stakeholders: if we cannot continue to mine, process and sell gold, then we cannot do what we are doing now; there will be no jobs, no opportunities and no community investment.

“We shall therefore continue to hold dialogues with you to ensure early identification and mutual understanding of potential issues and also establish long-term relationships,” Nicolletto remarked.