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Ghana: Newmont Gets Green Light to Mine in Forest
Accra - The Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Ms. Esther Obeng Dapaah has given clear indications that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) will be given a permit to commence operations at the controversial Akyem Ajenua Bepo forest by the end of the year.

She broke the news in a statement issued on her behalf when the Birim North District had its version of this year's People's Assembly.
 
The Ghana News Agency quoted her as saying that the commencement of the project will not only pave way for land owners to get reasonable compensation for their crops but make it possible for the farmers to get annual grounds rent she had personally initiated.

Ms. Dapaah was optimistic that Newmont's operation will create job opportunities for the people and at the same time enhance the living standards of the communities.

However, the Executive Director of WACAM, Mr. Daniel Owusu Koranteng has slammed the new twist to Akyem Ajenua Bepo controversy, describing the government's change of mind " as very disappointing in the wake of a public forum scheduled for the 4th of July this year between the company and other stakeholders."

He said Ms. Dapaah's change of mind coming shortly after her widely publicized confession during the 12th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XII) that the nation had benefited minimally from mining smacked of double standards.

"With such a decision already taken it is worthless for the people to even continue with the public forum since the outcome will not have any effect on the decision by government to give the concession to Newmont," he added.

Mr. Owusu Koranteng was of the view that for the government to go ahead and give NGGL the concession inspite of the many concerns raised by the communities is another example of ignoring people's concerns in making public policy.

He indicated that the draft revised Environmental Impact statement document prepared by the company shows that the company has not completed all necessary procedures needed have the permit.

According to him, any decision by government to give the company the permit to operate would lead to the loss of heritage and archaeological resources, including some significant historic places.

In addition, the forest serves as water shed for many water bodies and the destruction would significantly affect the rivers in the region.

On the statement by the Minister that it was her own initiative that made that made the company to decide to pay ground rent, Mr. Owusu Koranteng said she was throwing dust into their eyes since it was not her role to negotiate on behalf of the farmers.

He said that the farmers have the right to negotiate with the company based on articles 72, 73 and 74 of the Minerals and Mining Act 703. The compensation principle of the Act includes compensation for land and other forms of compensation.

He urged the government to consider the petition of about 215 farmers who during the early part of this year petitioned the government not to give the company the license to operate in the forest.

Mean while the Sector Minister on Monday announced that government would invest $87million into the forestry sector within the next two years.

According to Media reports, out of the amount would be invested in local community-based institutions within the forestry sector, in addition to the restoration of degraded natural resources.

The Minister noted that Africa's enormous forests resources are coming under increasing pressure resulting in deforestation which has led to a significant loss of soil fertility, increased soil erosion, water depletion, soil water pollution and loss of biodiversity.

She said since 2002 about 103,000 hectares of degraded forest have been replanted, adding that over 200,000 people have been employed in plantation establishment throughout the country.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200806130431.html
 

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