Accra: Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited has increased its dividend payment to the Government of Ghana to GHS391.2 million, equivalent to US$35 million. This marks a substantial rise from the US$5 million paid last year.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Ato Forson shared this development in a Facebook post, highlighting the company's improved profitability as a key factor in the increased dividend. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ghanaian government and its citizens for the significant contribution from Perseus Mining.
Dr Forson emphasized the importance of Ghana securing a fairer share of revenues generated from its natural resources. He underscored that the increased dividend payment showcases the potential benefits of the extractive sector when companies perform well financially.
To ensure that the nation gains more when mining companies achieve higher profits, the government has implemented a sliding-scale system. Dr Forson explained, "That is why we introduced the sliding-scale system: when mining companies earn more, the people of Ghana must benefit more." The revised system aims to align the interests of the state's revenue with the profitability of mining operations.