Owere Mines complains about activities of illegal miners.

Obenimase (Ash), May 7, GNA - The management of Owere Mines, a gold mining company in the Asante-Akim North Municipality, has complained about the unrestrained activities of illegal miners and said this had become a major challenge to its operation.

Mr Seth Brantuo, the Mine Manager, therefore called for firm and decisive action to rein them in and end the impunity.

He said the illicit mining activity was not only adversely affecting the operation of the mine but also destroying water bodies and added that their other worry has to do with erratic power supply.

Mr Brantuo raised the concerns at a forum held by the company to keep stakeholders adequately informed about its future plans.

It brought together chiefs, queens, opinion leaders and the youth from all the 18 communities within the mining operation area.

The Manager said concrete measures had been put in place to ensure the safety and good health of its employees to enable them to work efficiently to increase production.

Mr Mark Meyer, the Project Manager, said the Company was doing everything to maintain high standards of environmental safety and announced plans to set up a scholarship scheme for brilliant but needy students.

Ms Janet Amemasor, the Public Relations Officer, said the company would live up to its social responsibilities and that it had already raised the embankment of the Owere River at a cost of GH¢ 70,000 to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

GNA