Newmont abandons road project

Kenyasi (B/A), July 10, GNA- Tension is mounting at Ntotroso and Gyedu, two mining communities in the Brong Ahafo Region over the payment of 2,700, 000, 000 Ghana cedis (27 billion cedis) as compensation by the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) company to farmers to pave way for the construction of a proposed bypass in the area. Following the impasse, the company has terminated the project which when complete would help ease heavy traffic in the area caused by the company's operations.

Mr. Randy Barns, External Affairs Manager of NGGL, briefing newsmen at Kenyasi in the Asutifi District of the Region, about the termination of the project, explained that the company proposed to construct a 20 kilometre bypass to help ease traffic in the area caused by the company's operations.

He alleged that the people, realising the intention of the company, started cultivating cash crops on the land for the project in order to obtain compensation from the company.

Mr. Barns said after feasibility studies, the company realized it had to compensate 750 farmers who claimed were working on the 20 acres of land which he said was impossible.

"The company intended to compensate the supposed 750 farmers with 249 million cedis but we had to stop the project because we cannot afford to pay 27 billion cedis, which is even more than the total cost of the project."

Mr. Barns expressed concern about the system of land administration in the country and called on the authorities to improve it to facilitate development.

Mr. Brian Anderson, environment and social responsibility manager, called on the people avoid conflicts to enable the company to work peacefully in communities within its catchment area. He said "we are here in good faith and have no intention of creating tension among people in the communities in which we work."