George Mireku Duker, a Deputy Lands Minister, has revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will collaborate with the security authorities to ensure that culprits behind the attack at the Benso Mine of Golden Star Wassa Limited are brought to book.
According to him, government will play a critical role in the strengthening of the broken relationship between the company and the community. He indicated that the Ministry has decided to assume these responsibilities as it recognized its key position as a facilitator of the operations of licensed mining companies in the country.
Speaking during a working visit to the company, Mr Duker relayed the messages of sympathy and commiserations from the substantive Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor to the victims, management and staff of the company.
Whiles condemning in no certain terms, the actions of the misguided youth, Hon. Mireku Duker noted that government has already taken measures to avoid a recurrence of same.
“On behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, we convey our heartfelt empathies to the workers, management and board of this company. The act was uncalled for, and I believe that incident must not in any way be encouraged. We are here to comfort the management and workers of this company. Know that once you have your requisite license, government will always create the enabling environment for you to work. Other issues that called for this will be addressed in due time, but we want to comfort you and indicate to you that the government is solidly behind you.”
George Mireku Duker
Government takes measures to avert recurrence of attack
The deputy lands minister iterated that the ministry will assist in making sure that the “perpetrators are brought to book and I’m happy that the law enforcement agencies are dealing with this.”
On his part, the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, urged the company to improve its relationship with the community.
While assuring them of his readiness to contribute to the process, the Western Regional Minister stated that the company must take the initiative to address the concerns of the community. He further condemned the incident and promised that efforts must be made to avoid a destruction of properties and lives.
Also, Mr. Owusu Achiaw, the Senior Manager of the Processing Department of the company recounted the events of the day and counted the losses of the company. He described as welcoming the visit of Hon. Mireku Duker and the Regional Minister. He highlighted that it is a firm indicative of government’s interest in their operations.
After a tour of the site, Hon. Mireku Duker expressed delight with the renovations works ongoing and commended the company for restoring their operations in a relatively short period after the incident.
It will be recalled that in March this year, Golden Star Wassa Limited suspended its operations at the Benso site in the Western Region for the next three months following the recent attack on the company by some illegal miners.
According to the company, the attack by the illegal miners will affect investor confidence and their production levels.
The illegal miners who caused havoc at the company’s site in Benso torched 12 vehicles, including an ambulance. One person was reported dead while four others sustained injuries as a result of their act.
The illegal miners were said to have invaded a concession of Golden Star, ostensibly to cart away mined dust to prospect for gold, an attempt which was resisted by a team of security men of the mining firm and the police.
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