The Deputy Minister in charge of Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio representing the sector minister, on Friday, February 19, 2024 chaired two meetings with representatives of the Duayaw Nkwanta Traditional Council and traditional leaders of Afrisipakrom, Terchire, Susuanso, Adrobaa, and Yamfo, respectively, about the Newmont Ahafo North Mines Project.
The meetings, among other things, were to appreciate the traditional authorities for their support and collaboration with the acquisition of specific sites within the mining declaration.
The meetings were also to inform them of the government’s intention to publish the declaration of Intention to Acquire (Form 1) under the Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) for the commencement of batches 2 and 3 within the mining footprint.
The communiqués issued at the end of the meetings, to which all parties were signatories, captured the concerns of the Traditional Authorities and provided action points to address them.
On their part, the chiefs assured the Ministry of their full support and cooperation to incentivize affected farmers to align with the Newmont processes to forestall any need for compulsory acquisition.
In conclusion, the outcomes of the meetings were positive, as all parties showed commitment to implementing the decisions from the communiqués to pave the way for Newmont Ghana Gold Limited to commence mining operations.
In attendance at the meetings were the Honorable Regional Minister of Ahafo Region, the MCE of Tano North Municipal Assembly, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Operations) of the Lands Commission, and staff of Newmont Ghana, Lands Commission, Minerals Commission, and the Ministry.
