General News of Wednesday, 9 November 2005
Source: GNA
Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - Members of Parliament (MPs) have deplored the irresponsible manner in which certain mining companies polluted and desecrated water bodies in their areas of operation.<*> They have, therefore, called for strict monitoring and enforcement of environmental protection laws to protect the country's environment. Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bandua, Member for Biakoye, had made a statement on the negative effects on mining on host communities.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Member for Tamale South, condemned mining companies that took host communities for granted.
"When they build a school block and donate some few cedi notes they go about saying that they have helped the community when they have taken so much from it and destroyed their land and water bodies." He called for the withdrawal of the Minerals and Mining Bill, which he said, had not taken the plight of host communities into consideration. The Minority Spokesman on Communications accused the Mines and Energy Committee for not doing enough to collate the views and anxieties of the mining communities. Mrs Esther Obeng Dapaah, Member for Abirem, called for the use of independent valuers in the acquisition and computation of compensation for mining communities.