The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel A. Jinapor has commended Gold Fields Ghana for their proactiveness, timeliness and consistency in paying dividends to the government.
The Minister gave the commendation when Gold Fields Ghana Limited presented a cheque of $13.5 million dollars, an equivalent of GHS86.7 million as interim dividend for 2022, to the government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Wednesday, 30th March 2022.
He reiterated the government’s willingness as regulators of the Mining industry to create a conducive environment for the company to operate smoothly.
“Let me reiterate that Government being the regulators and the custodian of public interest has a responsibility and a duty to create that conducive environment for the Gold Fields Ghana to thrive and do well for you to be able to declare dividends and pay government share of dividends as you are here to do”.
Mr Jinapor while applauding Gold Fields, called on other Mining companies to organise themselves and follow the steps of Gold Fields to do the needful.
“You were one of the companies, which stepped forward to pay dividends even before I was sworn in as Minister and I recall that vividly. So I use this opportunity to call on other corporate entities to do the same,” he stated.
He said the establishment of the Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) is one intervention of the government that he believes will eventually help the government gain a higher stake in the mining industry of Ghana.
The Minister, in his remarks, also congratulated the Black Stars for qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar, crediting Gold Fields for their unflinching support to the senior national team over the years.
“I know your company, traditionally has been very supportive of the Black Stars, with a heritage and partnership with them and on this occasion, let me call on you to step forward to support the Black Stars as they prepare to participate in Qatar 2022 for the Black Stars to make Ghana proud.”
In his initial remarks, the Acting Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, Mr Joshua Mortoi thanked the Minister for his visit to the Goldfields Tarkwa Mine.
He asserted that the presentation of the 2022 interim dividend to the government reaffirms their commitment and support to the government as a key stakeholder in the business.
Mr Joshua Mortoi said the proactive approach by Gold Fields Ghana in expressly presenting their interim dividend for the year under review reaffirms the company’s “enviable reputation for meeting its financial obligations”.
He further stated that Gold Fields Ghana is committed to sustaining operations to create value for all stakeholders such as government, shareholders, host communities and employees.
Mr Mortoi also highlighted the impact of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation which has so far invested $84.4m in development programs such as the 33km Tarkwa Damang Road at a cost of $27 million dollars, the refurbishment of T&A park at Tarkwa into 10,400 seater stadium at a cost of $16.2 Million dollars, among others, all as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility to the country.
