Presenting the dividend, the Board Chairman of the company, Nana Aye Kusi, said it represents 67% increase on the previous year's dividend paid by the company.

He said the company, since its inception, has made a tremendous effort as a result of effective planning and support from the government.

The company has managed to turn its deficit income surplus account of¢13billion which resulted from losses in 2001 to a surplus of ¢27 billion within tow years and pay a dividend of ¢7.18billion to shareholders out of which government received 4.81billion, he added.

He noted that through hard work the company's net profit has increased by 42%- from ¢27billion to 38billion. Nana Aye Kusi assured that although the company have difficulties, it would be managed in the most efficient and profitable manner to yield equitable returns on shareholders investment.

Receiving the dividend on behalf of the government, the Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Kwaku Agyeman -Manu, congratulated the company on its laudable performance.

He mentioned that apart from the government's implementation of policies geared towards stabilization of the macroeconomic environment, the government has also begun making serious effort to reduce tax to boost investment and stimulate growth.