Residents of Aboso and Bompieso in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region have called on the government to halt attempts by the Global Ore Industry to take over community mining concessions in their area.
The community members say private companies are trying to take over lands that were earmarked for community mining, a move they insist will deny locals their livelihoods.
At a press conference held to chart the way forward, tensions flared as representatives of the Global Ore Industry clashed with community members over the ownership and use of the concession.
According to the residents, the concession is currently the subject of a court case involving a former NPP Constituency Chairman who is also laying claim to the site.
Speaking at the press conference, Aboso Ward Chairman Sofo Dauda issued a strong warning to the government. “We are sending a strong warning to government: do not give our concession to private interests,” he said.
He further alleged that “some party members are being manipulated to release this concession to a Chinese company.” He stressed that “this land is for community mining, not for private takeover.”
The Deputy Communication Officer for the area, Mohammed Awal, also rejected the company’s claim. “Global Ore Industry cannot take possession of this land. It belongs to the community.
“The concession was meant for the people, and we will not allow it to be taken away,” he stated.
Youth Leader Ebenezer Agbeyenga said the youth are prepared to resist any takeover. “The youth of Aboso and Bompieso are ready to defend this concession with our blood.
“We are not ready to allow foreign companies to operate in our community. The government must uphold community mining here,” he declared.
The residents are therefore appealing to government and party leaders to resist any attempt to lease the land to the Global Ore Industry, which they identified as a Chinese company.
The matter is currently before the courts, with the community demanding that the government upholds community mining in Aboso and Bompieso.
