By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), May 29, GNA – Stakeholders have called for intensified engagement and transparency regarding the Gyamonome iron ore exploration project and potential future mining activities in the Oti Region.
The call was made at a community engagement organised by the Network of Communities in Development (NOCID), a Kadjebi-based non-governmental organisation, in partnership with ActionAid Ghana.
The stakeholders expressed concern that limited information about the ongoing exploration activities was creating fear, anxiety and uncertainty among residents of affected communities.
They proposed the establishment of an “Asato Minerals Liaison Committee” to facilitate effective communication between the mining company, community members and other stakeholders, and to curb misinformation.
Mr Michael Wullar, a former Assemblyman for the Gyamonome Electoral Area, raised concerns over alleged pollution of some water bodies in the area.
He urged the exploration company and relevant authorities to provide comprehensive information on the exploration roadmap, environmental protection measures, and compensation arrangements for affected landowners and farmers.
“We need constant engagement and transparency so that the people will understand what is happening and what benefits or challenges may come with the project,” he said.
Togbe Tuglo, an opinion leader from Kosamba, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for continuous dialogue to reassure residents about the protection of their livelihoods, farmlands and properties.
He noted that although the communities were not opposed to development, they required firm assurances that their welfare and environment would be safeguarded throughout the exploration and possible mining phases.
Madam Agnes Obour, Coordinator of NOCID, said the engagement was aimed at creating a platform for interaction between stakeholders and community members on issues related to the exploration activities.
She explained that the initiative was also intended to promote transparency, accountability and peaceful coexistence between the mining company and host communities.
Madam Obour emphasised that community participation in discussions on natural resource exploitation was vital to ensuring sustainable development and preventing conflicts.
She encouraged residents to remain calm and channel their concerns through dialogue and lawful means while awaiting further engagement from the relevant authorities and the mining company.
Participants also appealed to the Environmental Protection Authority, the Minerals Commission, and the Kadjebi District Assembly to intensify public education and monitoring efforts to ensure environmental standards and community rights were upheld.
They further advocated for regular community forums and periodic updates on the progress of the exploration to build trust and confidence among residents.
The African Exploration and Minerals Group commenced resource definition activities in the Gyamonome Block B of the Buem Formation on July 30, 2024, following the discovery of significant iron ore deposits in the area.
Resource definition is a stage in mineral exploration that determines the size, grade, shape and location of mineral deposits to support mine planning and economic evaluation.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah