By Ashiadey Dotse
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has promised to engage the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, to begin construction on the Kumasi–Kenyasi road. He said the road project is a priority and should start soon, with work expected to last between 12 and 18 months.
Dr. Forson made this announcement after receiving a delegation from Newmont, led by Mr. Danquah Addo-Yobo, Head of Finance for the Africa–Canada Business Unit. During the meeting, Newmont presented a cheque for $174 million to the Government of Ghana as part payment of capital gains tax from the sale of its Akyem Mine. The total amount due to the state from the transaction is over $220 million.
In addition, Newmont gave another cheque of $50 million, which represents Ghana’s carried interest in the nearly $1 billion sale.
Dr. Forson praised Newmont for its transparency and commitment to paying taxes. He also reminded the company of its responsibilities under the Growth and Sustainability Levy and encouraged continued cooperation with the government.
The Finance Minister said the government is committed to solving infrastructure problems in mining communities.
