Newmont Africa has indicated that it is looking forward to the investigation reports of the Ghana Police Service and the National Investigation Bureau to understand and address the root cause of the recent shootings at Kenyasi, one of its host communities.
In a statement issued by Newmont Africa’s Regional Senior Vice President– Africa Operations, Mr. David Thornton, stated that the company is looking forward to receiving the investigation reports.
“We expect that all those found culpable after the investigations will be made to face the law. It is important that we understand the underlying root causes and immediate triggers of the unfortunate incident and ensure that it never happens again.”
Mr. David Thornton
Mr. Thornton reiterated Newmont’s commitment to building an effective relationship with the communities in which they operate while noting that the company will not take any deliberate action to jeopardize its relationship with the community.
“Newmont values the relationship it has nurtured with its host communities and continuously seeks to strengthen the partnership that has been established over time. Unjustified acts of aggression, vandalism, and violence, however, undermine this partnership and could potentially threaten the socio-economic development that host communities can derive from mining.”
Mr. David Thornton
The company’s statement follows the recent shooting and rioting incident, that unfortunately, claimed the life of one community member and injured four others, including members of its workforce. The injured have since been treated and discharged.
The company reports that a group of people suspected to be residents of neighbouring communities attacked the residential facilities of Newmont Africa’s Ahafo South mine after they overrun the camp security and entered the residential camp. They looted and vandalised company and personal properties and put the lives of the onsite school children, employees, and their families at risk. Some Newmont employees and contractors, who were going to, and returning from work, were attacked and their vehicles were destroyed.
It can be recalled that residential facilities at Newmont’s Ahafo South Mines have been attacked by unknown assailants. This comes barely 24 hours after police officers reportedly stationed at Newmont Mining Limited clashed with the youth at Kenyasi Number 2 in the Ahafo Region.
In that altercation, one person died and four others were left in critical condition. In a media statement, Newmont stated that in a seemingly retaliatory action, “The relevant regulatory authorities have been notified of the incident, and Newmont is cooperating with the Police with their investigations,” it said.
Meanwhile, the company is working closely with security personnel who have been deployed to the scene to keep the situation under control.
Already, Newmont has reached out to the family and loved ones of the deceased and those injured from the Kenyasi No.2 incident. “Newmont is saddened by the turn of events and sympathizes with the family and friends of the deceased and those injured,” the company stated.
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