Some Youth of Abirim Joined by the youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency have raised serious allegations of misappropriation of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) by officials of the Local Management Committee (LMC) in the Birim North District.
Speaking at a press conference the Youth Organizer Frank Owusu Amoah alias Blavo accused the LMC Chairman and Secretary of illegally withdrawing over GHC 300,000 from the 2024 tranche of the fund and transferring it to boost the campaign of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate, Charles Asuako Owiredu.
The Minerals Development Fund, established under Act 912 in March 2016, allocates 20% of mineral royalties to mining communities for development projects.
Of this allocation, 40% is managed by the Mining Community Development Scheme (MCDS) under the LMC.
Since 2020, the MDF has funded several projects in Abirem. For instance, in 2020, GHC 500,000 was used to construct toilet facilities in Mamaso and Hweakwae.
In 2022 and 2023, Approximately GHC 250,000 was spent on vocational training for youth and the provision of start-up equipment for them.
Addressing the media, the Youth Organizer, Frank Owusu Amoah alias Blavo claimed that GHC 300,000 taken from the fund out of this year’s tranche has been used to purchase sewing machines, hair dryers, and other items, which were distributed for political capital to bolster the electoral prospects of Charles Asuako Owiredu.
The NDC Youth Organizer called on chiefs, assembly members, youth and women representatives, and Newmont officials to: “Demand the return of misappropriated funds, Ensure transparency in future fund management”.
They petitioned the Chief Obrempong Kwesi Amoh Kyeretwie I, the Chief of Abirim and Akyem Kotoku Gyaasehene although he was not present hoping he initiates investigation to bring the culprits to book.
“We call upon Chiefs in Newmont-affected communities Assembly members, District Chief Executive, Youth and women representatives, Newmont representatives, Community opinion purpose to immediately Investigate the alleged fund misappropriation, Demand the return of funds to the Mining Community Development Fund and Ensure transparency and accountability in community fund management”.
Charles Asuako Owiredu, the NPP parliamentary candidate and persons allegedly involved refused to speak to the media when approached.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
