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The Association of Local Mining Contractors is calling for government intervention in the high permit and other charges by the Minerals Commission.
They are urging President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, to implement drastic measures to reduce the charges and ensure they are charged in Ghana cedis within three months of assuming office.
Mr. Samuel Aboagye, the General Secretary of the Association, expressed concerns to Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Sunyani-based Ark fm on Tuesday, stating that the Minerals Commission has failed to provide reasons for the increase.
Mr. Aboagye further explained that local companies were previously charged GHS 10,000 per annum, while sole proprietors were charged GHS 5,000 for acquiring the Minerals Commission permit to enable them to render services to mining companies.
However, he noted that the charges were astronomically increased, with local companies now expected to pay over GHS 50,000 and sole proprietors expected to pay GHS 25,000 before acquiring permit.
The association’s scribe lamented it was mind-boggling for local mining contractors to pay such skyrocketing charges simply because they were mining contractors.
Mr. Aboagye could not comprehend why these fees were quoted in dollars, while association members charge their clients in Ghana cedis.
“The Association has submitted an official proposal to the NPP government, but our concerns remain unaddressed,” he recounted.
Mr. Aboagye emphasized that the unexplained increase was negatively affecting members’ businesses and urged immediate action.
To prevent the local mining industry’s collapse, he called on President-elect Mahama to fulfil his promises made during an engagement with the Association in Sunyani.
According to Samuel Aboagye, the President-elect, who was then the NDC flagbearer, pledged to review the fees if elected. Hence, they are calling on him to fulfil his promise.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Kaakyire Kwasi Afari
