Three mining communities agree to relocate

Dr. Toby Bradbury, AngloGold Ashanti

THREE farming communities in the Bogoso Prestea District in the Western region, Allala, Tokuaso and Owusukrom have agreed to relocate and to pave way for Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mines, to undertake mining activities in the area.

With this decision, the mining company would construct accommodation facilities to house them before the actual mining operations commence.

Other communities such as Owusukrom, Pepessa and Nkyemia, with a total population of 739 farmers, whose farm crops have been affected as a result of the project, would also be compensated by the mining company.

The inhabitants have, however, raised fears over possible pollution of creeks, which serve as the source of drinking water in the area.

The concerns were raised at a public forum organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at Bogoso recently.

The management of Anglogold promised to construct boreholes to serve their water needs. The company also promised to announce to the communities dates on which they would carry out the blasting.

The project is expected to rake in revenue of $340 million.

The Mining Manager of Anglogold Ashanti, Nana Boakye told the people that the project, which commences next year, would cover 900 acres of land. He added that the company would also aid the affected communities to undertake Alternative Livelihood project.