Takoradi, Oct. 19, GNA - Ms Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, on Thursday dismissed public perception that mining has been a destructive force in Ghana.

"Mining companies contribute to the socio- economic development of Ghana by their very existence in rural communities", she added. Ms Aryee made these remarks at a networking lunch organised by the chamber for journalists in the Western Region, aimed at enhancing positive public perception of the mining industry. She said in 2008 mining contributed more than 63 per cent of mineral revenue.

Ms Aryee said the industry and macro economic growth improved significantly. It contributed 43.7 per cent of the gross foreign exchange earnings, 14.72 per cent as internal revenue collection and also employed 12,601 people in the sector directly and indirectly. "Mining indeed is a catalyst for development and as a chamber," she said.

Ms Aryee said the existence of mining companies in the remotest parts of the country, had opened up those communities for infrastructural development and socio-economic services like the provision of telecommunication, banking, education and information technology. She called for the mainstreaming and integration of the industry into the local economy, to attract Ghanaian investors and improve alternative livelihood projects in mining communities as a step to sustain the industry. "The chamber will continue its advocacy for a specific policy to increase the quantum of royalties from nine per cent to 30 specific infrastructural development", she said. 19 Oct. 09