An 11-member Board of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has been inaugurated to formulate strategic policies towards the efficient utilization of the country’s mineral fund.

The board, chaired by veteran journalist Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, was tasked to mobilize and ramp up funds from the various mining operations towards the development of mining communities.

Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who administered the Oaths of Office, Allegiance and Secrecy to members of the board, reminded them about the difficulties in mining communities and urged them to make an impact with innovative ideas to generate more revenues for development purposes.

The Minister was of the belief if mining communities had the requisite development projects, there would be atmosphere of peace and tranquility for mining firms to operate smoothly.

The Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016(Act 912), established the Minerals Development Fund to mobilize mineral revenue from mining operations towards the development of mining communities.

Mr Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, the Board Chair, on behalf of the Board, thanked the President for the trust and confidence reposed in them and pledged to leverage on their expertise towards supporting government’s mandate of developing the mining communities.

He promised to work collaboratively with the traditional authorities, youth groups, political actors and civil society organizations to formulate strategies and policies to develop the mining communities.

Some members of the board sworn into office for a four-year tenure, include Frank A. Raji, representative of the Local Government and Rural Development, Professor Patrick Agbesinyale, Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Nana Osei Abiri, representative of the National House of Chiefs, Mr Martin Kwaku Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission and Mr Constant Gladzah, a representative of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.