Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi, Mr Edward Michael Ennin, has called for the judicious use of mineral royalties by District Assemblies to help address developmental challenges of communities affected by mining operations. He asked the Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) to particular pay attention to communities such as Anyinam, Sanso, Binsere and others where mining activities were negatively affecting their livelihood. Mr Ennin was speaking at an annual fund-raising and inter-denominational thanks-giving service organized by the Anyinam community in aid of a number of development project including a community office complex and teachers' bungalow. "AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) is paying close to GH¢650,000 directly to OMA annually as property and other rates," the MP said, wondering why such mining communities continue to cry for development. Mr John Alexander Kobina Ackon, Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, commended Churches in the Anyinam community for leading the people to develop the area. He called for unity amongst the people, saying communities constituted the foundation of the assembly and that in unity the development of the municipality would be rapidly achieved. Mr Lawrence Nana Obeng Bondah, the Assembly member for the area, announced that his tenure of office and that of the unit committee over the four-year period had witnessed the rehabilitation of the local Methodist Kindergarten and the construction of two additional blocks by Atlas Copco, provision of a steel footbridge and the improvement in the electricity and water supply. He commended the MCE for approving the construction of a six-classroom block, office, store and library to help end the shift system at the local primary school. Nana Amoabeng Kotoko II, the Odikro, appealed for the total support of the people towards the realization of the development agenda of the community. Over GH¢1,200 was realized with the MP and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) pledging 50 bags of cement each. Source: GNA