The Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III, has appealed to the government and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah to reconsider the decision to revoke the mining licence of Adamus Resources Limited.
According to the traditional authorities, while concerns may exist regarding the company’s operations, revoking its licence is not the best solution to the challenges at hand.
They are therefore calling on the government to thoroughly investigate the issues and any alleged breaches, compliance concerns or defaults associated with the company and work with all stakeholders to resolve them in the interest of the affected communities.
The traditional authorities emphasized that they fully respect the government’s mandate to regulate the mining sector and enforce the country’s mining and environmental laws.
They, however, noted that any action taken should be guided by due process, stakeholder consultation, and a careful assessment of its socio-economic impact on the affected communities.
Awulae Kpanyinli III stressed that Adamus Resources Limited has, over the years, contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the Eastern Nzema area through the creation of employment opportunities for the youth and the provision of various community development projects.
He noted that many communities within the traditional area have benefited from infrastructure projects, including health facilities, classroom blocks, and security installations.
“The company has also supported education through scholarship schemes for brilliant but needy students as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes,” he stated
The Paramount Chief expressed concern about the potential impact the licence revocation could have on workers, their families, and local businesses that depend on the mining company’s operations.
He emphasized that many communities across the country are actively seeking investors to establish businesses and industries that can create jobs for their youth and, therefore, shutting down an existing source of employment should be carefully considered.
“The welfare of the people and the long-term development of our communities must remain at the centre of any decision taken regarding the company’s operations,” the chief noted.
He further emphasized that they are not opposed to the enforcement of mining laws.
Rather, they believe that where challenges exist, every effort should be made to address them through engagement and constructive dialogue before resorting to the revocation of a licence, particularly where the livelihoods of thousands of people may be affected.
“We believe the government should engage all parties involved, investigate the issues thoroughly, and find an amicable solution rather than revoking the company’s licence outright,” the chief stated.
The traditional leader further called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to intervene and ensure that the concerns of the people of Eastern Nzema are taken into account before any final decision is made.
The elders and residents echoed the chief’s sentiments, arguing that preserving jobs and sustaining local economic development should remain a priority while efforts are made to address any concerns regarding the company’s operations.
They further stressed that responsible mining is essential to the sustainable development of the area and should remain a key consideration in any resolution of the matter.
They also urged the government to provide Adamus Resources Limited with the opportunity to present its side of the matter, with the ultimate goal of reaching a resolution that protects livelihoods and promotes the long-term development of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.
