Western Region Youth Want Review Of Mining Contracts

Takoradi, Sept 4, The Western Region Youth Association (WERYA) has appealed to the government to review all surface mining concessions so far granted in the region. The association asked that no more concessions should be granted. At a news conference in Takoradi today, the association expressed concern about reckless surface mining and unbridled environmental destruction being caused in the region. It stated that while the people are all out for both foreign and local investment and entrepreneurship, they are opposed to ''any form of industrial activity that will eventually leave the people poorer and create (more) environmental hazards''. It is for this reason, the association said, that it has decided to spearhead a crusade against indiscriminate mining, especially surface mining in the region. It appealed to the youth and the district assemblies in the region to rally behind Nananom in their struggle to arrest ''this potentially disastrous phenomenon before it gets out of hand.'' Mr Francis Eghan, the President who read the statement, said the association would soon meet chiefs and the relevant bodies on mining to discuss the issue.