MD resolves impasse

Some of the returnees (left), Some of the stranded returnees in their canoe (right)

Seven assembly members in Bibiani, the district capital of the Bibiani-Anwianso-Bekwai district in the Ashanti Region have commended the Managing Director (MD) of Noble Gold Bibiani Limited, Mr. Brian Dunn, for settling a recent dispute between his company and some galamsey operators in the area.

The Bibiani township was on March 16 thrown into a state of confusion, after the mining company reportedly attempted to fill trenches belonging to some galamsey operators, as a means of protecting their mining concession in the area.

This, however, infuriated the illegal miners, who decided to invade the company's premises and cause commotion as a means of registering their displeasure at the decision.

Instead of deploying security personnel to deal with the ruthless illegal miners, which has always been the ideal situation for most mining companies in Ghana, the MD of Noble Gold Bibiani Limited instead, chose the path of an amicable settlement, by calling for a truce between the irate galamsey operators and the company, a move which touched the hearts of the seven assembly members in the Bibiani community.

Mr. Dunn, according to the assembly members, called a meeting between the company, the aggrieved galamsey operators and opinion leaders in the area, including the assembly members, resulting in the amicable settlement of the matter.

In an expression of appreciation for the exemplary leadership style displayed by the MD, the assembly members, in a press statement, commended Mr. Brain for his commitment to peace and the growth of the area.

The statement, which was signed by Kwame Asamoah, Assembly Member for Bibiani Estate, noted: 'We are delighted that Mr. Brian Dunn did not go by the usual means mining companies employ in dealing with circumstances of this nature.'

They averred in the statement that but for the maturity of the MD the peaceful atmosphere in the Bibiani community would have been seriously affected.

The assembly members therefore, urged the galamsey operators to remain calm as they continue to dialogue with the company to ensure that their rights and interests, as well as that of the company, were mutually served for the betterment of the area.

They urged other mining companies operating in the country to emulate the shining example of Noble Gold, to ensure that though disputes are bound to occur, peaceful resolutions could be found when they occur.