A large number of disgruntled youth of Akyem Amenam, a farming and mining in the Birim North District in solidarity with leaders from the Kotoku Traditional Area have issued a stern warning to Sikadwaso mining company Ltd, an – extractive company that has been granted a license by the Minerals Commission to mine in Kwakuru Forest Reserve in the area.
The chiefs and the community members argue that the said mining company, led by one George Narh has invaded the 600-hectare Kwakuru forest without following the necessary procedures that permits its operations in the area.
During a press conference on Thursday, June 19, the Assembly Member for the area, Isaac Amponsah indicated the operations of the company cannot continue, citing the leaders of the community’s non-involvement in the said lease.
“We’re very angry because one company calling itself, Sikadwaso has entered our Kwakuru forest land, claiming it has been given a license by the Minerals Commission to deplete the forest. As an Assembly Member, Nananom from Asene and chiefs from Amenam have all maintained that we’re not aware of the lease.
The natural resources belong to the government but the land belongs to the chiefs so therefore you cannot just invade someone’s land and claim you’ve been given a license to mine. We will not agree to this.
This same group of people came here sometime ago as a small scale mining company and they did not even undertake a single social responsibility in this area, today, they are back as Sikadwaso Mining Ltd and they are claiming to have secured license to mine in the over 600 hectares of Kwakuru Forest Reserve, and as an Assembly Member and my people, we will not agree today nor tomorrow.
We’re going to present a petition to the District chief Executive for Birim North and we will ensure that this company does not mine in the Kwakuru Forest Reserve“, he said.
Checks have also revealed that the said company was given license by the Minerals Commission in January 25, this year.
Tourism officer for Kotoku Traditional Council and Head of Communications, Nana Kwame Akomea in his statement warned that the Paramountcy is not aware of the operations of the Sikadwaso Mining Ltd, hence their activities cannot continue.
He emphasized the need for the Minerals Commission to consult the traditional leaders before granting such an approval to the company. He accused the minerals Commission in Koforidua for engaging in dubious activities that undermines the transparency and respect for traditional authority.
“Minerals Commission and its leaders in Koforidua, we’re telling them whether they like it or not, they do not have lands, and if they insist that they will continue to allow Sikadwaso mine, we will show them the power the Kotoku Traditional Council possess. Minerals Commission failed to consult Nananom because of one’s selfish interest. I‘ve personally had engagement with them and their actions confirmed that they are conniving with people to undertake dubious mining operations.
This forest reserve is a sacred place for the Kotoku Traditional Council and that’s where our ancestors live, we will show them that the power restle with us. We’re also calling on President Mahama and the minister for Natural Resources Emmanuel Kofi Buah to ensure that they address this matter as soon as possible, else we will defend ourselves against Sikadwaso Mining Ltd“,
Nana Kwame Akomea further accused a former chief of Asene, one Nana Kakari for his alleged involvement in this schemed – illegal operations by the Sikadwaso Mining Ltd.
“We believe that it’s Nana Kakari who has been hiding behind this company to perpetuate this act of gross misconduct against the Kotoku Traditional Leaders. He’s no longer the Chief of Asene and he has no further right to call himself chief and give out concessions to mining companies“,
The Kwakuru Forest is made of eight communities namely Amanfokrom, Adadekrom, Nyanfomam, Mpintinpi, Amenam, Amuana Praso and Nwinso. The leaders of the community had earlier planned to present a petition to the DCE for Birim North, unfortunately, they did not meet the presence of the DCE.
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