Nawara Mining Company has given its assurance to work closely with Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and various stakeholders to ensure the protection of cocoa farms within its operational areas.
This commitment follows a petition from some cocoa farmers in Fanteakwa South District and Abuakwa North Municipality, expressing concerns about the destruction of cocoa farms within the mining company’s concession although compensations are being paid.
After engaging with stakeholders at the company’s premises, the management of Nawara mining company made a renewed commitment to collaborate with COCOBOD and the Minerals Commission.
Paul Ocran, Administrator with Nawara Mining Company, emphasized that the company would be guided in its operations within cocoa-growing areas.
“COCOBOD and stakeholders met us to discuss concerns of the cocoa farmers. We have narrated our side of the story. We have not worked in Osiem even though we are undertaking prospecting activities. COCOBOD explained the provisions of the Economic Plant Protection Act to us, so we agreed that going forward, we will work with COCOBOD, Minerals Commission, and all stakeholders. It was a fruitful discussion; we have learned a lot,” stated Paul Ocran.
He further acknowledged the importance of sensitization by COCOBOD, expressing confidence that it would assist and guide Nawara Mining Company in its operations.
Ocran also mentioned the company’s intention to report to regulators such as the Minerals Commission, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and other relevant agencies for further guidance.
In an interview, Prof. Michael Kwateng, Head of the Anti-illegal Mining Unit of Ghana COCOBOD, called on the Minerals Commission to conduct due diligence before granting mining concessions in cocoa-growing areas.
Prof. Kwateng highlighted a crucial factor contributing to the issue, stating that mining concessions covering cocoa farms are sometimes allocated without the consent of COCOBOD, violating legal provisions of the Economic Plants Protection Act.
He emphasized that the law mandates the endorsement of a land area by all relevant stakeholders, including COCOBOD, EPA, Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and Ghana Water Company, after proper prospecting before designating it as a mining concession.
Prof. Kwateng reiterated COCOBOD’s commitment to addressing issues related to the unlawful destruction of cocoa trees through the Economic Plant Protection Act.
The influence of illegal mining and smuggling has adversely impacted COCOBOD’s cocoa purchase target for the year, falling short of the aimed 850,000 tonnes, unable to reach even 700,000 tonnes.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
