Kyekyewere (W/R), June 15, GNA-Mrs Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, Acting General Manager of Abosso Goldfields Limited (AGL), has refuted a general perception that the mining destroys the environment.
“I am proud to mention that AGL guided by relevant authorities in the mining industry like the Environmental Protection Agency, Minerals Commission and the Water Resources Commission has put in measures to continually protect the environment” She announced.
Mrs Kuutor said this at Kyekyewere when the Mine observed the World Environment Day with schools in its operational area on the theme for this year was “Only One Earth.”
She said AGL has implemented an environmental management system (EMS) which fulfilled all the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard, she said.
Mrs Kuutor mentioned that their environmental policy was well established and commits the company to environmental protection through pollution prevention, fulfilment of compliance obligations and continual improvement.
She continued “We have developed controls that enable us to protect the environment to ensure that we preserve the quality of water, air, and the land on which we operate”
The Acting General Manager noted that in fronting these, their host communities have not been left out, adding, trainings on safe use of agrochemical products have been held for their farmers to help address the improper disposal of agrochemical wastes especially into their streams and rivers.
Touching on the theme, Mrs Kuutor explained that it highlights the need for everyone to live sustainably in harmony with nature by bringing changes through policies and their choices towards cleaner, greener lifestyles.
“To promote green lifestyles, we must all commit to improve our home’s energy efficiency by turning off electrical gadgets when not in use, avoid disposing wastes in water bodies and using chemicals to fish in an effort to protect water bodies as well as using and burning plastics can pollute the environment” She added.
She said taking care of the environment was an important responsibility shared by every individual, family, and organization.
The Municipal Education Director for Prestea Huni-Valley, Mr Sebastian Diaw, lauded AGL for giving pupils in their operational area the opportunity to learn about how to care for the environment.
He entreated the Mine to continue to educate their host communities on the negative impact of their own activities on the environment so that together they could all put into practice what would protect the environment for future generations.
A quiz competition was also organised by the Mine for the five educational circuits in its catchment communities.
Damang circuit emerged the winner, Aboso circuit ‘A’ was second, Aboso circuit ‘B’, came third while Wassa East and Huni-Valley circuits placed fourth.
They were presented with school bags and learning materials.
GNA