By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Konongo-Odumase (Ashanti), Nov. 14, GNA – Traditional authorities in Asante-Akim Central Municipality have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the takeover of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited.
The chiefs say the development could undermine substantial investments, employment opportunities and socio-economic gains expected from the mining project, with far-reaching consequences for host communities.
They made the appeal in a petition presented to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, at the premises of the Asante-Akim Central Municipal Assembly at Konongo-Odumase.
Rev. Dr. Aidoo received the petition and assured the traditional leaders that it would be forwarded to the President for his attention and consideration.
Nana Fosu Gyeabour, Chief of Obenemase, who read the petition on behalf of the traditional authorities, said although they acknowledged the government’s responsibility to regulate the mining industry, the circumstances surrounding the revocation of the company’s mining lease and subsequent takeover of its operational sites required reconsideration.
He said the traditional authorities, as custodians of the lands and communities within their jurisdiction, had a responsibility to safeguard the welfare, livelihoods and socio-economic development of their people.
Nana Gyeabour said the company had reportedly committed about US$200 million towards the development of the mining project, describing the investment as significant to the economic future of Asante-Akim Central.
He said the traditional leaders were concerned that the takeover could jeopardise the investment and undermine the development prospects that had generated considerable expectations among residents.
According to him, the anticipated commencement of full-scale mining operations offered opportunities for job creation, improved household incomes, skills development and the expansion of commercial activities in the municipality.
He said a significant proportion of the company’s workforce was drawn from the host communities, making the project an important source of employment and livelihood support for local residents.
The chiefs noted that the impact of the suspension of operations extended beyond direct employees to include transport operators, traders, vendors and other service providers whose businesses depended on the economic activities generated by the mining project.
They said any prolonged disruption could affect household incomes, weaken local businesses and threaten the economic sustainability of communities that had looked forward to benefiting from the mine’s operations.
The chiefs emphasised that the protection of legitimate investments and the enforcement of mining regulations should be pursued in a manner that promoted responsible mining, economic stability and sustainable community development.
They appealed to President Mahama to direct a review of the circumstances surrounding the revocation of the mining lease and the takeover of the company’s operational sites by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
They also called for engagement among the government, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, relevant regulatory institutions, the company and traditional authorities to address any concerns that might have arisen and find an amicable resolution.
The traditional leaders said such engagement was necessary to protect the broader public interest while safeguarding employment, investments and the development aspirations of the people of Asante-Akim Central.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to promote responsible mining, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the municipality.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim
Email: [email protected]