The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has inaugurated its 22nd Local Management Committee in Ada under the provisions of the Fund’s Act, 2016 (Act 912).
This committee is the first to be inaugurated in a salt mining area, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Chaired by Justice Nene Abayateye Ofoe Amegacher, the committee includes traditional rulers from the area such as Asafoatsengua Buertey Okumko Obuampong IV, Nene Tetteh Lanuer Okumo IV, Nene Amanortey Nangwa Apenkro IV, and Naana Adiki Manyeyo Adi I. Other members are Mr Ebenezer Mettle Nunoo, Mr Charles Dugbartey Nanor, Mr Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah, Madam Sarah Dugbarkie Pobee, and Mr Samuel Kabutey.
The local management committees of the fund play a crucial role in allocating resources directly benefiting mining communities, land interest holders, traditional and local government authorities, and institutions responsible for mining development.
During the inauguration, Mr Kwaku Sakyi Addo, the Chairman of the Minerals Development Fund Board, urged committee members to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to drive sustainable development in the area. He also commended Electrochem Ghana Limited, a commercial salt mining company, for its commitment to development by paying ground rent and royalties to the Ada state, contrasting this with the challenges faced by larger companies in meeting royalty obligations after several years of operation.
Mr Sakyi Addo, along with Dr Noriss Hamma, the Administrator of the Mineral Development Fund, presented a cheque for GHS250,000 to the committee as seed money, demonstrating the fund’s commitment to supporting development initiatives in mining communities.