The Government of Ghana has been urged to urgently release outstanding mineral revenue owed to mining districts to enable local authorities to undertake critical development projects in communities affected by mining activities.
The call was made by Ali Tanti Robert, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Impact Studies (CSIS), during the presentation of a research report titled “Assessing Compliance, Transparency and Accountability of Mineral Revenue Transfers to Subnational Authorities in Ghana (2019–2023): The Case of Obuasi East Municipal.”
The study examined the processes involved in transferring mineral revenues to local authorities and assessed the level of transparency, accountability and compliance in the utilisation of mineral funds at the subnational level.
According to the research findings, mining communities continue to face challenges due to delays and shortfalls in the transfer of mineral revenues meant to support local development.
Obuasi East Receives Less Than One-Third of Mineral Royalties
The report revealed that Obuasi East Municipal was entitled to receive GH¢1,554,685 in mineral royalties in 2023 but received only GH¢492,636.
This represents just 31.7 per cent of the amount due, leaving a shortfall of more than GH¢1 million.
Researchers noted that the unpaid funds could have supported the provision of essential infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, roads, water projects and other social amenities needed by residents in mining-affected communities.
Speaking during the presentation, Ali Tanti Robert stressed that mining communities must receive the full benefits of mineral resources extracted from their areas.
He argued that delayed or incomplete transfers weaken the ability of local authorities to respond to development needs and improve living conditions for residents.
Need for Greater Transparency and Accountability
The research highlighted the importance of strengthening transparency mechanisms in Ghana’s mineral revenue-sharing system to ensure that funds allocated to mining districts are transferred and utilised effectively.
The report called for improved monitoring, timely disclosure of mineral revenue transfers and stronger collaboration between central government institutions and local authorities.
It also emphasised the need for communities to be given greater access to information on mineral revenues to promote public participation and accountability.
Supporting Mining Communities Through Resource Sharing
Mining districts across Ghana have long argued that communities hosting mining operations require greater financial support to address environmental, social and infrastructure challenges associated with mineral extraction.
The CSIS research therefore called on government and relevant agencies to prioritise the timely release of mineral revenue allocations to ensure that mining communities benefit meaningfully from the country’s natural resources.
The researchers maintained that improving compliance, transparency and accountability in mineral revenue transfers would contribute to sustainable development and help bridge the infrastructure gap in mining-affected areas.