The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chamber of Mines, Dr. Toni Aubynn, has proposed that the five percent royalties paid by mining companies to the district assemblies should be increased to 30 percent.

This, according to him, would enable the various district assemblies to obtain resources to undertake more development projects and improve the standards of living of mining communities.

Dr. Aubynn made the proposal at the inauguration of New Salman Township, constructed by Adamus Resources Limited at Salman at the weekend.

He said, 28 percent of the country’s revenue emanated from the sector and that there is the need for the government to direct attention to mining communities.

The CEO of the Chamber of Mines entreated the people of Salman to establish partnership with the mining company instead of always depending on them for assistance.

He applauded the company for constructing the housing units for the people of Salman and admonished them to take proper care of the facilities.

Dr Aubynn appealed to the company to provide computers to the various basic schools in the area to boost Information Communication Technology (ICT) training, saying, ICT training is not a luxury but a need for every child in the country.

The Western Regional Minister, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, who was a special guest of honour at the function, assured the people that, the Regional Security Council (RESEC) would continue providing security in the area.

He said the government would soon send security personnel to the new police post and admonished them to be law-abiding citizens.

The function attracted a number of government functionaries and chiefs in the area.**