Mining company Newmont Ghana, has reaffirmed its commitment to transparently engaging with local communities to improve lives and collaboratively identify solutions to mitigate the impact of their operations. 

The company has also called on farmers at New Abirem in the Eastern Region who are seeking new and additional land and crop compensation, among other issues, to allow the legal process to run its course following earlier mediation efforts.

This comes after some farmers in New Abirem on Tuesday, 16 October 2018 clashed with some police officers while demonstrating against Newmont Ghana Limited.

The demonstration was over claims that Newmont had taken over their farmlands without compensating them.

The police fired teargas to disperse the crowd.

The organiser of the demonstration, speaking on AccraFM Don Kwabena Prah Jr. (The Don), that five people were injured in the melee.

The farmers claim they will continue to demand that the right thing is done by the company.

However, Newmont, in a statement explained that following reports of intimidation and threats, the police deployed personnel to ensure security and public order while protecting lives and property.

The company called on the farmers to exercise restraint and good judgement to avoid confrontations.

“Newmont’s sustainability approach involves building and maintaining respectful relationships with our host communities. This means a strong commitment to direct, good-faith dialogue, while ensuring compliance with all relevant national laws, regulations, and international best practices,” said Joep Coenen, General Manager – Akyem Mine.

“As a responsible company, we have consistently met our legal obligations to our stakeholders since we began operations at Akyem and we will continue to do so,” Mr. Coenen stated, adding: “As this case is currently before the courts, we urge any protesters to let the case run its course through the judicial system.” 

In July, the community group embarked on a similar demonstration against Newmont Ghana to express dissatisfaction with the ongoing legal process concerning their demands for land and crop compensation and employment, as well as allegations of building cracks from mine pit blasting.

Prior to this, Newmont had been in mediation talks with the farmers led by an independent arbitrator. The parties continued to engage on the matter through the mediation process until the case was referred back to court.

Newmont Ghana said it will continue to focus on engaging with stakeholders to address their needs and concerns “fairly, respectfully and responsibly”.

“We will continue transparent and respectful engagement with our stakeholders, including the farmers, stool land owners and District Security Committee (DISEC), as we work towards resolving this issue amicably,” Mr Coenen noted.

ClassFM