<<Print>>The Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Dr Toni Aubynn, has stated that the commission will not condone any act of illegality by host communities in the mining areas who engage in speculative activities to fleece mining companies and create social unrest.
He said much as the commission would not allow mining companies to act in unacceptable manner, it was important that communities saw these companies as development partners for the good of all rather than satisfying the interest of a few.
Dr Aubynn, who was speaking after the board of the commission had toured Adamus Resources, the communities and other small-scale mining areas in the Western Region, said the commission would continue to protect the interest of both the host communities and the companies.
Speculative structures
The operations of the mine near Anwia in the Ellembelle District is said to be saddled with speculative structures within the buffer zones of the mine’s concession which are creating problems between the mine and the community.
The Ellembelle District Assembly is said to have sent several reminders to community members to halt such developments, especially within the buffer zone, which were ongoing without permit from the assembly.
Dr Aubynn said experience had shown that proper collaborations between communities, district assemblies and mining companies had resulted in improved standard of living of the people through the provision of social amenities.
Mining operations, he noted, had changed over the years, and that it was gratifying to note that at present, many or all the companies operating in the mining areas ensured stakeholder engagements.
He expressed the hope that going forward, “we will see more harmonious dealing with the people, since many agitations between mining firms and communities are as a result of lack of engagement”.
The Board Chairman of the commission, Mr Emmanuel Kofi Kanningan, said the commission’s focus was to move to the communities and have an interaction with both the internal and external stakeholders of the companies to have the best ambiance for development and progress of the companies.
He added that the time had come for all to ensure holistic governance which took into consideration the importance of making sure that all stakeholders acted in a fiduciary manner in the interest of all.
The acting General Manager of Adamus Resources, Mr Eric Acheampong, explained that unrealistic demands from stakeholders was adversely affecting the operations of the mining industry.
He said current commodity prices in the world market made it difficult for mining firms to meet demands of communities