The Chief of Salma in the Ellembelle District, Nana Kwamena Bentum ll, has expressed deep concern over the detrimental impact of gold mining on his community, labeling the mineral resource as more of a curse than a blessing.
Despite the area’s natural wealth in gold, Nana Bentum II criticized foreign companies, particularly Adamus Mining Resources, for failing to deliver significant development benefits to the community.
“We can’t sit here and say Adamus meanwhile there’s no changes. We don’t have any fund for Salma; this is not mining. Mining is when you listen to the people’s grievances. Now when you’re youth and you’ll be arrested,” he stated.
He lamented the widespread belief that natural resources should enhance the lives of local residents, noting that, in Salma, the opposite has occurred.
“We are not benefiting from our land after giving it to the government; getting a place to farm has become our major challenge.
“Mining is when you dig a large pit and after doing your mining, then you cover the pit and even plant something on it which can help the country. But with this, they dig the pit without covering it, and we won’t tolerate this again.
“We change government but we don’t change chiefs. We’re here to protect our lands, and you’ll hear from us soon,” he expressed his frustration.
His comments came during a visit to the area, where community agitation over neglect and lack of development has been growing.
He appealed to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ellembelle Constituency, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, urging them to act swiftly to release portions of land for the community.
“If nothing is done, the people may be forced to take the law into their own hands,” he warned.
In light of the years of mining activity, Nana Bentum II proposed the establishment of a dedicated development fund for the community.
He expressed his frustration over the absence of such a fund, urging authorities to take immediate action, as the people are tired of continued neglect.
