Members of the Committee in a photograph
Anglogold Ashanti Ghana (AGAG) has inaugurated a Closure Consultative Committee (CCC) to ensure the implementation of the Reclamation Security Agreement (RSA) for the Obuasi Mine.
The RSA, BUSINESS GUIDE gathered, is part of the Obuasi Redevelopment Agreement.
Managing Director of AGAG, Obuasi Mine, Eric Asubonteng, said the Closure Consultative Committee formed by the Obuasi Mine is the first of its kind in Ghana.
According to him, the initiative is premised on AGA’s fundamental values of being accountable for its actions.
He said “it’s the desire of the company that everything embedded in the reclamation plan is implemented, knowing the importance of its outcome to the general Obuasi Community.”
Mr. Asubonteng explained that the appropriate regulators would monitor and evaluate works of the committee to ensure value for money while urging members of the committee to bring their expertise to bear on a constructive engagement so that the initiative become fruitful and worthy of emulation by other mines.
The committee comprises representatives of Adanse and Bekwai Traditional areas, representatives of the Ayease, Dompoase, Akrokeri and Edubiase Divisions, representatives of Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Municipal Chief Executive of Obuasi (MCE), District Chief Executive of Obuasi East, Physical Planning and Development officers of the respective municipal and district assemblies, as well as management of Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine.
Obuasi Mine Senior Manager for Environment, Nixon Asante, revealed that there would be regular site visits to the various sites to engage communities and ensure that they are involved along the various stages of the project.
He revealed that local and traditional authorities are crucial in the process.
The main committee, which will be chaired by the Senior Manager Environment, will meet twice a year while the sub-committee will be chaired by the Closure Manager, Ernest Krakani.
Also present at the inauguration were the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Elijah Adansi Bonah and the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Obausi East, Faustina Amissah.
By Melvin Tarlue