Maripoma Mining Services Limited has pledged to allocate 1.25% of revenue from gold sales to community development projects and provide vocational training for young people in Zongoiri and surrounding communities if its proposed gold mining project in the Bawku West District receives approval.
The company says the initiatives are intended to create employment opportunities, equip residents with skills and ensure that host communities benefit directly from its mining operations.
Speaking at a public hearing organised by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on the proposed gold mining and processing project, the company’s Human Resource Manager, Richard Danso, outlined plans to train young people through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
He said the first phase would involve selecting 15 residents for training as electricians ahead of the construction of the mine.
Other young people would receive training in carpentry, masonry, welding and fabrication to prepare them for potential employment opportunities associated with the project.
“At the first phase we realised that we would need electricians, so we will identify 15 candidates that will be trained as electricians ahead of the construction of the mine,” he said.
Mr Danso stressed that the training programme would target both young men and women in the host communities.
“The young women are going to get this training. The community will not be neglected. We are going to consider them effectively,” he assured.
Beyond the skills training programme, Mr Danso announced that the company would pay GH¢788,050 in ground rent, to be distributed among the District Assembly, Traditional Council and Stool Lands Office.
He also disclosed plans to establish a community development fund equivalent to 1.25% of revenue generated from gold sales.
According to him, the company had voluntarily increased the proposed contribution by 0.25 percentage points above what he described as the government’s mandatory 1% rate.
“Government of Ghana Community Development Fund is 1%, but Maripoma Mining Company has increased it by 0.25, meaning we are going to give community development fund of 1.25% on every revenue. That’s the gold that we sell,” he stated.
Mr Danso explained that the contribution would be based on sales revenue rather than profit, meaning the company would be expected to make the allocation even when its operations were not profitable.
He said the fund would be managed through a Community Development Committee, with a dedicated bank account to ensure transparency and accountability.
Under the proposed arrangement, residents would identify priority development projects through community consultations and submit proposals with estimated budgets to the company.
Approved projects would then be implemented in collaboration with the District Assembly, the EPA and local contractors.
“If we want to do any project, it’s not like we look at this community and we say we are going to do this without having a consultative agreement,” Mr Danso explained.
“The community will propose a project at their own meeting, submit it to the company with a budget. Then if the budget is approved, we contact the district, the EPA, and local contractors for execution,” he added.
Mr Danso said Maripoma Mining Services Limited intended to operate in the area for several years and was committed to building a lasting relationship with residents.
He assured the communities that their participation would be central to the company’s development initiatives.
“So, your voice will be heard, your commitment will also be counted, and your involvement will not be neglected,” he stated.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bulinga-Zongoiri
