The Global Media Foundation Ghana LBG (GloMeF) has called on the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) to expedite actions for the payment of property compensation for some affected farmers around its Ahafo North Mine in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region.
“GloMeF is particularly concerned about reports that some affected farmers are yet to receive their full compensation despite the acquisition of their lands for mining-related activities”, the foundation which works to improve the wellbeing of the vulnerable in society stated.
A statement signed by signed Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of GloMeF and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani said that the foundation’s concern followed growing agitation in some of the mine’s catch communities over allegations of delay in the payment of their compensation.
The affected farmers are spread across Susuanso, Terchire, Adrobaa, and Afrisipakrom mining communities
“We find these allegations deeply troubling,” it stated, and called on the NGGL and the Lands Commission to urgently address those concerns emerging from the communities in the interest of peace.
The statement indicated that: Our checks show that the farmers are not asking for favours but they are demanding justice and what is rightfully theirs.
It noted that for generations, farming communities had invested their time, resources and livelihoods in cultivating their lands, noting that those farmlands were not merely pieces of property but represented their economic security, family heritage and sources of income and future.
The statement indicated that it was therefore unacceptable for the affected farmers to be left in uncertainty, frustration and economic hardship because of unresolved compensation matters.
It emphasised that economic development, industrialisation and mineral exploitation ought not to be pursued at the expense of the poor farmer’s fundamental rights, livelihoods and dignity.
The statement called on the NGGL to demonstrate transparency and accountability by addressing all outstanding compensation concerns and ensuring that legitimately affected farmers receive fair and timely compensation.
It also called on the Lands Commission to provide clarity on the compensation assessment and payment processes, investigate those concerns raised by the affected farmers and ensure that their interests were adequately protected.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources must also intervene and ensure that all outstanding disputes between the farmers and the Ahafo North mine were resolved through a transparent, fair and accountable process.
It called on the government to strengthen oversight of mining-related land acquisitions and compensation arrangements to prevent the exploitation and marginalization of rural communities.
The relevant human rights and civil society institutions must also monitor the situation and support the affected farmers in seeking redress through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
It believed that responsible mining ought to go beyond revenue generation, corporate profits and mineral production.
Rather, it must also guarantee respect for human rights, environmental sustainability, community welfare and economic justice.
The statement urged the NGGL to engage directly with the affected farmers, listen to their grievances and work towards an amicable and transparent resolution of their concerns.
The Lands Commission must also demonstrate that it is protecting the public interest and not allowing affected landowners to bear the burden of development without adequate protection.
“Our position is clear and that no farmer should be dispossessed, impoverished or denied fair compensation in the name of national development”, it added.
The statement emphasised that GloMeF stood in solidarity with the affected farming communities and called for justice, transparency, accountability and the prompt resolution of all their legitimate compensation claims.