By Yaw Cobinna
The government of Ghana through Minerals Commission granted a license(s) to Okobeng Mining Company Limited on a concession in Gwira Traditional Area, which they knew was owned by Blue River and West Star Mining Companies, for prospecting for large scale Gold mining, but Okobeng Company rather turned its operation into a small scale in form of Galamsey.
According to them, because of the company illegal activities, it’s operational works have degraded their land and polluted it’s rivers such as River Ankobra, streams and other river bodies on the said concession.
Speaking at a news conference held in Accra, the President of Gwira Traditional Area in the Western Region, Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan II, hinted that when Nananom and the people started complaining, about the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Amposah is using some methods to intimidate Nananom and the people of Gwira Traditional Area with armed land guards with offensive weapons.
He stated that the company has failed to compensate cocoa and other farmers whose farms have been destroyed depriving them their livelihood. When the elders demanded for land compensation, the company issued dull cheques to defraud us.
In view of the above, the chiefs, queen mothers, elders, the youth and entire people of Gwira Traditional Area are making this statement to bring this development to the attention of the general public, ministry of lands and natural resources, the minerals commission, EPA and Ghana Police Service that as a matter of urgency within fourteen days withdraw any license granted to Okobeng Mining Company to operate in any part of Gwira Traditional Area lands.
The elders and entire Gwira Traditional Area is optimistic that the inspectorate division of mines under the auspices of minerals commission will act fast without fear or favour.
