There is growing tension in Akyem Saaman in Fanteakwa South District of Eastern Region following a violent clash between some alleged military personnel providing security for Kibi Goldfields Mining Company and the youth of the community.
Although there is a long standing feud between Kibi Goldfields company and Saaman Community, the latest confrontation erupted as residents protest alleged mining and diversion of Akusu River, a major river in the community by Goldfields Mining Company.
The youth reportedly chased out the excavator operators from the site.
They accused the mining company of illegally mining in the river under the pretext of dredging.
On Saturday, August 2, the situation escalated when the youth mounted a roadblock to prevent the military from transporting some individuals arrested .
In response, the alleged military personnel reportedly fired warning shots to disperse the irate crowd.
Unfortunately, Janet Koh, a mother of seven who was roasting corn by the roadside, was hit by a stray bullet. She has since been hospitalized.
At least three other individuals reportedly sustained injuries during the military’s assault.
The youth leaders have condemned the incident and are calling for an immediate investigation into the actions of both the mining company and the security personnel involved.
On Sunday, August 3, the angry youth masses up on the streets to protest the attack on them.
The Chief of Akyem Saaman, Barima Dr. Ofori Nyarko Tetepo, said he requested the Kibi Goldfields company to dredge the river, but asked them to suspend it when his attention was drawn to the fact that they were allegedly mining.
“I came yesterday. I have to go and see myself. Because I issued an instruction that they should stop. And I will come and inspect whether they are doing the thing according to the way I prescribed to them”.
He rebuked the youth for the confrontation, “Why do you take the law into your own hands? When you know really that this is the house of the town.
This is the leadership front where we settle issues. If you have a problem, why don’t you come to see Nana? But rather insult Nana and take the law into your own hands and go and do that. I am here to find out whether really they have arrested some of them”.
The Chief however accused Management of Kibi Goldfields Company of failing to honour invitations to engage the community to iron out bad relationship with the youth who blame the company for depriving them their source of livelihood and refused to employ them.
The Chief said until the company sits with the community the confrontations will escalate.
Hon. Sunny Hans, the Assembly Member to Akyem Juaso and the Chairman to Environmental and Mining Sub committee in Fanteakwa District, said the residents who are predominantly peasant farmers have had their sources of livelihood disrupted for the past 20 years since Kibi Goldfields took over farmlands after acquiring the concession.
“The fact is that the Kibi Goldfield, when they came into the territory, it is within 20 years for now.So it got to a point that we discovered that things are not going well. Then we approached them. In my hand is copies of letters written to question their integrity”.
He added, “It’s a petition. We are now serving around. You see, here is a farming community. Virtually about 90 percent of our inhabitants are farmers. So if you came, you’ve taken our land, and for about 20 years you’ve never given our land to us, how do you expect us to live.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
