Politics · Samuel Nana Asare Mireku

NPP calls for independent probe into reported mining activities in Suhum

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Suhum Constituency of the Eastern Region is calling for an urgent and independent investigation into reported mining activities at Essaase and Krobomu in the Suhum Municipality.

The call follows a visit by the Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, and his team to the affected communities to assess concerns raised by residents over the alleged impact of mining on the Densu River, cocoa farms, community lands and livelihoods.

One of the major concerns raised during the visit was the reported diversion and pollution of the Densu River.

At Krobomu, chiefs and elders told the MP's team that they had rejected proposals to make their lands available for mining operations.

Concerns have also been raised about developments at Essaase and the circumstances under which land was allegedly made available for the activity.

The NPP says the claims must be established through proper investigation and documentation, including determining the owners of the affected lands, who authorised their use, the agreements reached and the legal authority under which the mining operation is being conducted.

The party has also drawn attention to allegations by some youth at Essaase who claim they were chased away and threatened by persons they identified as armed men associated with the mining operation after protesting against what they described as the destruction of the Densu River and cocoa farms.

The NPP says the allegations must be independently verified and is calling on the relevant security agencies to investigate them.

Questions have also been raised about the mining operator identified by some community members as “Gozah”.

The NPP is calling on the relevant authorities to establish the operator's registered name, mineral right or licence, concession boundaries, environmental permits, water-use authorisations and other applicable approvals.

The party has further called for clarification over reports concerning the alleged involvement of an Assembly Member, who is also alleged to be the NDC Constituency Chairman for Suhum, in facilitating the miner's entry into the community and assuring residents that the operator had the necessary documentation.

The NPP stressed that the claim must also be independently verified.

It said the Densu River, agricultural lands and the welfare of residents must be protected regardless of which political party is in power.

The party is therefore calling on the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Water Resources Commission and relevant security agencies to visit the affected communities, examine the available documentation and establish whether the mining operation is lawful and complies with environmental and other regulatory requirements.

The NPP maintained that it is not opposed to lawful and responsible mining but insisted that a mining licence should not be treated as permission to destroy water bodies, farms or community livelihoods, or to operate outside the conditions of the law.