A decision by Golden Star Resources Limited’s Wassa mine to relocate Wassa Akosombo, a farming community near Ateiku in the Mpohor Wassa East District, has generated mixed feelings among the people.
Some of whom complained about lack of basic amenities at the new site.
In all 52 households with a population of about 150 are to be resettled in order to pave way for an expansion project being undertaken by the company, based at Wassa Akyempim.
When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited the village, some members of the community were packing to leave while others blatantly expressed their unwillingness to move out, citing the distance from their farms and most importantly, lack of power and water at the new site.
Kofi Adom, a resident told GNA he was happy to move to the new site but would miss his backyard garden which had provided him over the years with ingredients for food at home, adding that the new site had no space for a backyard garden.
Another resident, Hanna Kokay said the mining company did not put the new place in order for safe habitation before asking them to move in, adding that the state of the site currently was dangerous for children to live in, so she would like to wait until she was satisfied that the place is safe.
Besides, Kokay said her family would have to walk a longer distance in order to fetch food.
The chief of the community, Nana Apem Odenke, said they had no option but to leave to pave way for the company's operation.
However, he appealed to the company to install a corn mill at the new site for the community.
Nana Kwame Andoh, acting divisional chief of Manponse, expressed appreciation that the people did not violently resist the plan to resettle them, adding that he understood the concerns raised by some of the people.
“It is not comfortable moving from one place to a new one,” he said and promised to dialogue with the mine to ensure that the people enjoy good standard of living at the new site.
In an interview, Mr. Paul Essah, Human Resource and Administrative Manager of GSR Wassa Mine, said the resettlement arrangement was transparent and that the community was involved in every aspect of the decision.
He said two boreholes had already been sunk at the site and that more would be sunk as the population in the community grows.
He said though it was not part of the agreement that the Mine would provide electricity, all the houses have been wired and electric poles erected, awaiting connection to be done under the Government’s Self Help Electrification Programme.
Source: GNA
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
We need quality products locally; importing to run top hotels increases cost – Labadi Beach Hotel MD
8 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Basake Holy Stars face tough test against Medeama at CAM Park
8 hours -
Kwahu-Nkwatia development chief advocates for peaceful elections
8 hours -
We must declare state of emergency over galamsey, halt all mining – VLK Djokoto
9 hours -
JL Plantations, WES Trade sign MoU to promote commercial agriculture in Ghana
9 hours -
APSU to host biggest ‘Aponkye K’ event on September 28
9 hours -
Meet the 1st Ghanaian House Manager of Labadi Beach Hotel, now the MD David Eduaful
9 hours -
Ghana’s farming and construction methods destroying the environment – Environmental Expert
10 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Young Apostles, Aduana chase first win in Wechi clash
10 hours -
GPL 24/25: Hearts of Lions seek to inflict first defeat on leaders Gold Stars
11 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Hungry Accra Lions eyefirst win against Nsoatreman FC
11 hours -
CHRI condemns police conduct during Democracy Hub protests, calls for action
11 hours -
Women’s Premier Super Cup: Ampem Darkoa join Dreamz Ladies in final after win over Faith Ladies
11 hours -
Expert discusses causes, effects, and solutions for erectile dysfunction
12 hours -
Gas tanker overturns at Darkuman near Cable and Wireless
12 hours