Calls continue grow on the government to halt activities of illegal miners on the concession of AngloGold Ashanti.
Local Contractors and other stakeholders joined the pressure group, Appiani, and Bonsec Club to add their voices to the worrying situation.
President Akufo-Addo in April 2019 reopened the Anglo-Gold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, which had been efficiently closed since 2014. It was in fulfillment of a campaign pledge he made to the people of Obuasi in the run-up to the 2016 polls.
But the mining firm faces another closure as the invasion of the mine by ‘galamsey’ operators appears to threaten its survival. Local contractors, some of whom, are attached to the mining giant say the situation could affect the economy of Obuasi.
“As it stands now the mine is the backbone of Obuasi’s economy. Some time ago the mine collapsed and Obuasi became a ghost town. As it stands now we are embarking on this march to communicate to the Obuasi community and Adansi at large that we should all make sure that we protect the mine from these illegal miners”, one of the local contractors said.
Another who gave his name as Solomon Amoako Acheampong also said: “This has happened to us before and we don’t want it to occur again. Activities of intruders on the mining concession threaten the survival of the company. But we believe that this message will trigger an intervention.”
The leaders of Appiani and Bonsech FunClub, which is leading this campaign addressed the media after they led a peaceful procession on Sunday, August 21.
“We can state without modicum of doubt that these illegal miners find their way through unapproved routes into the operational areas of AngloGold Ashanti to from time to time. This is a disturbing development that might lead to the collapse of the mine if not immediately resolved. It is worthy to note that this was one of the principal factors that led to the collapse of the mine in 2014”, said Secretary of the Group Anthony Coffie.
“We will in the coming days petition the President, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and all other stakeholders who matter in these concerns”, he indicated.
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