C'TTEE SUBMITS REPORT ON DISTURBANCES ... (Page 34)

Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Sekondi

THE seven-member committee set up to investigate the disturbances that occurred at Teleku Bokazo, Anwia and Nkroful in the Nzema East District of the Western Region over the operations of Adamus Resources Limited, a gold mining company in the three communities, has recommended that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Commission and the Nzema East District Assembly organise public education in mining regulations on the roles of the various agencies to help reduce conflicts in the area.
The committee said inadequate knowledge of the EPA requirements or regulations on mining operations was identified as one of the causes of the disturbances.
The Chairperson of the committee and a Principal State Attorney, Ms Patience Klinogo, announced this when she presented the committee’s report to the Western Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) in Sekondi.
She said the committee also recommended that EPA should publish the Environmental Impact Statement of Adamus Resources and establish an alternative livelihood for the people in the communities.
She said the committee recommended the reconciliation of the chiefs and people of Teleku Bokazo and Anwia and that the Member of Parliament for the area should be involved in the efforts of reconciling the various parties.
She said the committee identified the main causes of the disturbances as the flushing out of illegal gold mining (galamsey) operators and the frustration these operators met in the bid to legalise their operations.
Ms Klinogo pointed out that conflict between the chiefs and the youth and the concerned citizens and the perceived lack of transparency of the operations of Adamus Resources were some of the causes.
She said another cause was the perceived backing of the youth and the citizens by the MP of Elembelle.
Ms Klinogo said the committee gained much understanding of the concerns of the people of the three communities.
She explained that the disturbances would have been averted if the people had waited for the publication of the Environmental Impact Statement of Adamus by the EPA as they would have been better informed about whether or not their concerns and interests had been taken care of and what channels were open to them for redress.
“It is also our firm belief that the implementation of the recommendations in their totality will produce a suitable environment in which all members will participate without let or hindrance towards the enhancement of life for all”, she added.
The Western Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC, Mr A.E. Amoah, who received the report said the submission of the report was indicative that the region needed peace.
He expressed his gratitude to the members of the committee for the submission of the report as well as the chiefs in the area for their assistance.
“If we want development, peace must be the focus”, he pointed out.
Mr Amoah said REGSEC would study the report and come out with a white paper on it.
The Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Annor Adjaye said the white paper on the report would be ready as soon as possible.