Tension mounting at Prestea over mining concession

Tarkwa (W/R), Feb. 9, GNA -Tension is gradually mounting among the people of Prestea upon hearing that Golden Star Bogoso Prestea Limited (GSBPL) formally Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL) is about to undertake surface mine in the southern part of the Prestea concession.

Wearing red bands on their wrists, the opinion leaders, chiefs and the Assemblymembers in the Prestea/Himan area this morning trooped to the office of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at Tarkwa to submit a petition against the new project to be undertaken by GSBPL. The petition was signed by 13 people made up of eight Assemblymembers, Prestea Urban Council Chairman, three chiefs and a member of Concern Citizens Association of Prestea.

The Petition stated: "the Prestea Urban Council, Nananom and Assemblymembers and the people of Prestea have noted with concern the intention of GSBPL to embark on its Phase II Project, Prestea Southern Project."

In view of this, it said, it has started inviting people to a Stakeholders meeting concerning the said project. During a fact finding meeting with the Councillors at the New Century Mine Boardroom on Friday, 26th January, 2007, at Prestea , the Councillors informed the Management of the Company that they were going to consult the general public, listen to their concerns and communicate back to the company.

Information available to Councillors indicated that GSBPL was organizing an indoor forum which was to be attended by the various groups.

Hearing this on the airwaves that the EPA was going to organize a Public Forum on Monday, 12th February, 2007 tension started mounting at Prestea because people thought that former BGL did not or partially fulfilled its promises when it was coming to Prestea.

Therefore BGL should either do an open forum or stop inviting a group of people to convince them about its impending projects. The Petition said: "We are taking this fine opportunity to advise you to put a stop to it immediately as this has brought tension to the Community because we cannot guarantee the safety of human life and property.

Mr Moses Kpebu, assistant programme officer, EPA, who received the petition promised to forward it to the head office for address.

Nana Blay Kwofie chief of Nankaba talking to GNA after the presentation said his ancestors came and settle at Nankaba in 1810 and to mine at the place would mean that his kingship has come to an end, saying, there would be no community for him to be a chief.

Again, he said Prestea International School which has a population of 2,124 children is located within 300 meters range from the active mining site, adding, mining would disturb the studies of the children. 09 Feb. 07