The people of Tebrebie have reiterated their firm stance on relocating to Wassa Agona as part of the resettlement process being undertaken by Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine. According to the Assembly Member for Tebrebie, Hon. Bernard Obeng, the decision is backed by law and reflects the collective will of the community.

Speaking at a community gathering, Hon. Obeng expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the mining company’s handling of the process. He recalled that the resettlement discussions began in 2022 after the company indicated its intention to relocate Tebrebie residents due to the discovery of minerals in the area.

Initially, land near the GMC concession at Nnsuta was considered for the resettlement, but it was later deemed unsuitable. Alternative sites were proposed, including one at Ahwetieso by the Apinto Divisional Council and another at Wassa Agona by Tebrebie’s opinion leaders and chiefs. After visiting both sites, the community unanimously selected Wassa Agona.

A formal letter, endorsed by Chief Nana Kojo Mina and the entire community, was sent to Anglogold on July 24, 2025, communicating their choice. In response, the mining company acknowledged receipt and indicated plans to discuss the matter further with stakeholders. However, Hon. Obeng said the community was surprised by subsequent correspondence that appeared to revisit options already rejected.

He cited Legislative Instrument 2175, which grants Project Affected Persons (PAPs) the right to choose their preferred resettlement location, stressing that “the law does not mandate a traditional stool to decide for the people.”

Beyond location concerns, Hon. Obeng also addressed compensation issues. He noted that while most cash compensations had been paid, the company had introduced a demolition policy requiring community members to sign consent forms before receiving the remaining payments. The policy allows Anglogold to demolish compensated but unoccupied buildings, a move he said the community initially resisted.

The Assembly Member concluded by urging the mining firm to respect the community’s decision and proceed without delay to prepare the Wassa Agona site, which he described as “the promised land” for Tebrebie residents.