President of Gwira Traditional Area in the Western Region, Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan II, has stated that, for about six years of illegal operation, the Okobeng Mining Company has failed to compensate cocoa and other farmers whose farms have been destroyed depriving them of their Livelihood.
However, when elders of the Gwira Traditional Council demanded land compensation, the company issued dull cheques to defraud chiefs of the traditional area.
“When Nananom demanded land compensation, the company issued dull cheques to defraud us”, he stated.
According to the Gwira Traditional Council, due to the company’s illegal activities, its operational works have degraded their land and polluted its rivers such as River Ankobra, streams and other river bodies on the said concession.
Speaking at a news conference held in Accra, the President of Gwira Traditional Area in the Western Region, Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan II, hinted that when Nananom and the people started complaining, about the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Amposah who according to the chiefs is using some methods to intimidate Nananom and the people of Gwira Traditional Area with armed land guards with offensive weapons.
In view of the above, the chiefs, queen mothers, elders, the youth and the entire people of Gwira Traditional Area are making this statement to bring this development to the attention of the general public, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, EPA and Ghana Police Service that as a matter of urgency within fourteen days withdraw any license granted to Okobeng Mining Company to operate in any part of Gwira Traditional Area lands.
The elders and the entire Gwira Traditional Area are optimistic that the inspectorate division of mines under the auspices of the Minerals Commission will act fast without fear or favour.
Story by:Kwaku Stephen
