Participants at the meeting
The youth of Kenyasi in the Asutif North District of the Brong Ahafo Region nearly disrupted a public hearing at Kenyasi Number 1, which was organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday to sensitize community members on Newmont Ahafo’s intention to begin underground mining on in the area.
The youth stormed the venue with the intention of disrupting the ongoing programme.
According to them, the people of Kenyasi, especially the youth, have not benefited from the activities of the mining giant since it started mining 10 years ago, adding that they would not permit underground mining in the area.
One of them, Abdulai Salifu told BUSINESS GUIDE that most of youth in the community were jobless because the company usually employed non-indigenes.
He said underground mining by the company would worsen their plight.
He blamed the EPA for not living up to expectation because conflicting reports about the negative effects of underground mining have not been highlighted by the institution.
The chiefs finally impressed upon the youth to allow the programme to go on while their grievances were to be addressed later.
The director in charge of Mining Department of EPA, Michael Sandow Ali, allayed fears of the people, saying EPA would ensure the mining company undertakes responsible mining should the Subika Pit be extended.
He also said the Subika Pit had been registered with the EPA since 2010 to go underground.
The EPA has conducted environmental impact assessment and held stakeholder meetings with relevant bodies, resulting in a new draft.
Acting General Manager of Newmont, Joshua Mortoti, said the development of the Subika Pit into underground mine would have positive impact in the Ahafo area because the project would produce 4 million ounces of gold a year and expand the company’s lifespan to 2033.
That, he said, would result in increase in contributions to Ahafo Development Foundation from $17 to $25 million for development projects, increase in royalties to government and creation of 600 jobs for the youth.
He disclosed that if the EPA gives the green light, construction would start in 2017 for production to begin in 2018.
Chiefs in Ahafo communities such as Kenyasi No 1 &2, Ntrotroso and Wamahinso appealed to Newmont to construct more roads, hospitals and provide potable water to the communities.
From Daniel Y Dayee, Kenyasi
danielyaodayee@yahoo.com