Step Mining is operating illegally - Akyem -Tumfa residents

Residents of Akyem - Tumfa, a farming community in Atiwa District of the Eastern Region have vehemently kicked against what they described as illegal gold mining in the area by Step Mining company.

Addressing a press conference at Akyem-Tumfa on Wednesday, the Assembly woman for the area, Hon. Comfort Nyarko said Step Mining Company was granted a mineral right on Tumfa lands on the 12th November, 2004 under permit No. EPH/SSM/528 for two (2) years with a possible renewal after expiration.

According to her, not only was Tumfa under East Akim District as at the time of the permit and now under Atiwa District Assembly after the District was carved out of East Akim in 2004 but the company failed to renew its contract as the law stipulates and therefore ceases to own the land after Six years expiration of the contract.

The Assembly woman hinted that, they were shocked to know that, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used Form SMM11 (EPA/SSAN/059) July, 2003 to issue environmental permit to process a license to Step Mining Company without going through due process.

They argued that, no publication was made and the community was not engaged in the process of the permit grant among other things, a situation they described as a gross violation of section 13 sub section (3b) of Act, 703.

Hon. Comfort Nyarko reiterated that, the matter was referred to the District Security Committee (DISEC) of the Atiwa Assembly when tension started to generate during the time that the Company tried to bring an excavator for its operation.

Management of the company according to the Assembly woman was asked to put on hold of their operations until they were told to do so but unsatisfied with the directive, the former took the matter to the Regional Security Council.

She disclosed that, a 1st meeting which was chaired by the Regional Security Co-ordinator was held on 5th May, 2014 but was postponed to 8th June, 2014 to allow Nananom to consult the entire people of the town.

The Akyem-Tumfa Assembly member stressed that, at the meeting which was chaired by the then chairman of the council Hon. Julius Debrah, it was ruled that the town folks should put up a resolution and submit it to the council by 8thJuly, 2014 through the District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. Emmanuel Atta Twum.

“Another meeting was scheduled for 1st September, 2014 which was chaired by the current chairman of the council Hon. Antwi Bosiako. What would surprise you was that, Ladies and Gentleman the Minister quickly denounced the petition and told us that the Company would operate before asking for our side of the case”, she added.

Residents of the farming community claimed they suspect a dubious deal in the whole episode because the Mineral Commission staffs who were at the meeting said the area covered in the agreement was 25 acres but reduced it to 17 acres when the Minister met the community on the 12th September, 2014.

According to her, even though Tumfa is a law abiding citizens who do not support lawlessness, they would not allowed any form of intimidation by the current Regional Minister or any group of people to undermine their right.

They have therefore appealed to President Mahama, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, Leadership of Parliament, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Executives Secretary, Minerals Commission, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, National Association, Cocoa, Coffee and Shea nut farmers, the President, Legal Advocacy, the member of Parliament for Atiwa East and the Media to look into the alleged Mineral right granted to Step Mining Company and caution the Minister for Eastern Region to desist from intimidating ordinary people in the region.

They have also vowed to put their lives on the line to stop any attempt by the Regional minister and the company to mine in the area.

Meanwhile, the chief of the town, Barima Osei Adom II, has said that he does support the activities of mining in the town and that he totally support the call of his people not to allow Step Mining in the community.

Hon Antwi Boasiako-Sekyere, the Eastern Regional Minister in response to the issues raised said he was surprised over the rune of event since the matter has been resolved by the Regional Security Council [REGSEC].

To this therefore, the Minister disclosed that, the Minerals Commission with other stakeholders have the mandate to give for any cooperate mining company to mine when checks proved that they have done everything within the law.