The Obuasi Local Mining Committee (LMC) has been tasked to invest resources from the Mineral Development Fund in alternative livelihoods to accelerate development in mining areas.

This mandate includes managing the government’s Mining Community Development Schemes under the Minerals Development Fund.

Inaugurating the committee in Obuasi, chairperson of the Minerals Development Fund, Esther Edjeani, told the LMC  that transparency will be critical to their work.

"We respect the right, the culture and the traditions of local people, and believe in a bottom-up approach for local development. We, therefore, entreat you to be transparent when engaging the communities at all levels; to understand their plight, prioritise their requests and apply funds efficiently to achieve the best out of the meagre resources,” she urged them. 

The LMC consists of representatives from the traditional council,  youth, technocrats, interest groups and Anglo Gold Ashanti.

Chief Executive of Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Elijah Adansi-Bonah who represents the Local Assembly on the committee was full of excitement.

"The formation and inauguration of the LMC  will ensure the allocation of funds to drive development and infrastructure to enhance livelihoods."

He maintained that the move marks the beginning of transformation in Obuasi and surrounding communities.

The newly inaugurated Obuasi LMC was presented with  GH 1,000,000 (One Million Ghana cedis)  seed money, to facilitate socio-economic development in all mining communities.

Executive Director of Centre for Extractives Development of Africa (CEDA), Emmanuel Kuyole, encouraged members to spend the funds on sustainable initiatives

He advised them to invest the funds from the Minerals Development Fund in ventures and initiatives WHICH will yield benefits for the local people.