Mining District Scorecard ranks Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai 5th in Ghana

Mining District Scorecard ranks Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai 5th in Ghana

A new report has ranked the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality 5th among mining districts in Ghana in terms of transparency, accountability, and citizens’ participation in the management and utilization of mineral royalties.

The 2023 mining District Development Scorecard (MDDS) assessment conducted by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) evaluated eight mining districts across the country.

Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai scored 39.0 out of 100 points, the overall MDDS average score of 38.4 points.

Mr Emmanuel Yeboah, a senior research analyst at CDD-Ghana, disclosed this during a day stakeholders meeting in Bibiani undisclosed that although the district performance score is above average, governance practice in the management and utilization of mineral royalties is still weak.

The MDDS assesses districts’ fiscal transparency, citizens’ participation, local government effectiveness and the effectiveness of the Local Management Committee (LMCs) responsible for overseeing the 40% of mineral royalties allocated to mining communities.

Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai scored well in fiscal transparency (49.6 out of 100) and citizen participation (49.0 out of 100) but received a “weak” score of 42.4 on local government effectiveness and a score of 50.0 on LMC effectiveness, respectively.

Mr Yeboah explained that across all the assessment components, the district scored “very good” based on administrative data but poor in 10 out of 12 subcomponent evaluated through Community informant surveys.

The District scored “poor” (0 out of 100 points) in one LMC subcomponent indicator. LMC prepares and submits progress and annual reports to MDF.

The report recommends that the District Assembly and LMC don’t give opportunities for meaningful citizen participation institute mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability and conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities on the utilization of mineral royalties.

Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai MCE Hon Paul Andoh acknowledged the findings and pledged to work towards improving the District’s performance in future assessments.

LMC Chairman Nana Kwadwo Somiah II, Chief of Sefwi Ntakam who doubles as the Abakomahene of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area use the to highlight on projects they have been able to be done: Chirano 12 seaters toilet with Mechanize borehole, Surano A mechanize borehole, Adeakye mechanize borehole, Atronsu Mechanize borehole. 250 mono desk to Queens SHS, 250 mono desk to Chirano community Day SHS.

New ones under construction (more than 80% complete) are Bisec, Mota yard, Ohiapenika, Kwamekrom, Ntakam, Anyinase, Asempanaye all are mechanize boreholes.

The MDDS is part of an effort by CDD-Ghana to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of mineral wealth at the local level, with the goal of driving more inclusive and sustainable development in mining communities.

The eight mining Districts assessed in order of rank are Birim North District, Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal, Wass East District, Upper Denkyira West District , Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal, Obuasi Municipal, Asutifi North District and Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal.

Source:Bibianinews.com