Asutifi North strengthens oversight on mineral revenue spending

Stakeholders in the Asutifi North District have renewed their commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability in the use of the Mineral Development Fund (MDF), calling for more responsible and inclusive management of mining revenues to drive long-term community development.

The commitment was made at a policy dialogue and resource allocation meeting held in Kenyasi, organized by Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG) with support from the STAR Ghana Foundation. The meeting formed part of phase two of a community volunteerism and social accountability project aimed at empowering mining host communities to influence how mineral revenues are utilized.

Participants, including members of the District Assembly’s Finance and Administration Committee, traditional authorities, youth groups, persons with disabilities, and community representatives, emphasized the need for improved communication, transparency in project costs, and regular updates on fund utilization.

They also pledged to deepen collaboration with local volunteers and community members in planning and decision-making processes.

The dialogue built on earlier community sensitization campaigns and a district-level social accountability forum, where feedback from residents highlighted gaps between local needs and government resource allocation.

Stakeholders acknowledged these gaps and committed to ensuring more equitable distribution and effective execution of development projects.

Executive Director of LEG, Richard Adjei-Poku, stressed that despite Ghana’s status as Africa’s leading gold producer, mining communities continue to face environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and long-term socio-economic challenges.

He urged assemblies to avoid using mineral revenues for recurrent expenditures and instead invest in sustainable projects such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.

He further noted that the second phase of the project seeks to consolidate gains from the first phase by strengthening stakeholder engagement and ensuring royalties from the MDF are used effectively and highlighted the role of the Ahafo Mineral Revenue Watch Volunteers in promoting accountability and equitable resource use.

Assembly Member Patricia Agyeman called for unity among community members to champion development and accountability, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing local challenges.

At a related Social Accountability and Inclusive Governance Forum held under the theme “Enhancing equitable utilization of mineral revenue through inclusive governance for sustainable development,” Mr. Adjei-Poku reiterated the need for prudent management of finite mineral resources.

He warned that failure to invest wisely could leave communities vulnerable to economic hardship and irreversible environmental damage.

Participants, including Madam Theodosia Kwebu Dadzie, praised the initiative for increasing public awareness and called for its expansion to other communities to deepen understanding of natural resource governance.

Overall, stakeholders agreed that transparent, inclusive, and strategic use of mining revenues is essential to securing sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of mining host communities.