Accra, March 9, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti has within two years into its merger paid over 70 billion cedis to the Government of Ghana as dividend, the Chief Executive, Mr Bobby Godsell, announced during a courtesy call on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, on Thursday.

Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) and AngloGold, a South African mining giant, went into a merger in 2004, giving birth to the now AngloGold Ashanti.

Until this, the AGC, for six consecutive years did not pay any dividend to the Government.

Mr Godsell said they were acting to fulfil the goals of the merger, by laying the foundation for continued development and growth. He said they were happy with the partnership, as Ghana has become an attractive investment and mining destination. President Kufuor said they have not had any cause to regret the decision on the merger.

He said since the Government held the Golden Shares it was interested in the progress of the Company, dividend payment and welfare of the Ghanaian employees.

President Kufuor said he was happy to hear from Mr Godsell that they had laid the foundation and were expecting high returns. He reminded the Company of its social responsibility to the communities within the operation area of the mine, saying, the relationship should be that of a win-win one.