Global Media Foundation To Provide Water For Communities Affected By Newmont Operation

Global Media Foundation, media advocacy organization has secured funding from the Global Green Grants Fund of the US to stimulate more advocate for access to safe drinking water for communities affected by the operations of the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited in its Ahafo Mines area in the Asutifi North District of the Brong Ahafo Region.

The 3500 dollars’ grant will help empower community members especially women in the Newmont Ahafo mines to advocate for issues affecting their livelihood especially access to safe drinking water.

The Water Research Institute of CSIR recently conducted study in the Newmont Ahafo Mines Area to assess the environmental and human health risk due to exposure to toxicants by resident adults and children within the concession of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited in Ahafo.

The results from the study revealed that pollution of some water bodies in the area can be attributed to uncontrolled cyanide spillages and acid mine drainage.

Briefing the media in Sunyani on the project, the Founder/CEO of GLOMEF, Raphael Godlove Ahenu, noted that the project aims to create deeper and more informed awareness of the debilitating social, cultural and environmental effects especially water of gold mining activities in Kenyasi and surrounding areas where Newmont operates.

The project will further facilitate participation of affected communities especially women in local and international policy debates on the impacts of gold mining on access to safe drinking water.

Mr. Ahenu pointed out that pollution of water bodies in mining communities has serious impact on the lives of women, saying they would have to walk long distance to look for safe drinking water for their domestic chores.

The human right crusader lambasted the Environmental Protection Agency, Water Resource Commission and the Minerals Commission for nothing to reduce the challenges facing mining affected communities in Ghana but rather conspire with some of the mining companies to abuse the human rights of marginalized communities.

Global Greengrants Fund gives voice to people whose lives are most impacted by environmental harm and social injustice. Every day, our global network of people on the frontlines and donors comes together to support communities to protect their ways of life and our planet.