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Artisanal small-scale and community miners in the Ashanti Region town of Obuasi are once again urging the Akufo-Addo administration to press mining giant AngloGold Ashanti to relinquish its abandoned concessions in a bid to create job opportunities.
In their latest petition to President Akufo-Addo, the group argued that this move would not only alleviate the rising unemployment rates but also rejuvenate the local economy.
The miners have been at odds with AngloGold Ashanti, criticizing the company for its failure to release land for mining activities and for not providing employment opportunities to the residents of the mining town.
During a press conference held in Obuasi on Tuesday (8 October), Kofi Adams, Chairman of the Artisanal Small Scale Miners Association, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to secure a better future for the Obuasi community.
“We congratulate the President for emphasizing the community mining policy to promote responsible mining and create jobs for the youth of Ghana. However, many young people are resorting to robbery and drug addiction as a result of their circumstances, “If this situation continues, what will become of the future of Obuasi and Ghana as a whole?”
The association has identified several abandoned mining sites—Kaaso, Cap 3 or Pillar, and White House—where they believe community mining could thrive.
“These sites have the potential to employ over 30,000 youth directly in Obuasi. We have been waiting for years for the government to assist us in regularizing these areas for community mining, in line with both the government’s objectives and those of AngloGold Ashanti.”
“The ongoing use of state security to intimidate our youth seeking livelihoods is unacceptable. We are calling on your ministry to help find an amicable solution that benefits everyone. Without addressing human security, state security cannot be fully realized. We are ready to engage and promise to abide by all mining regulations when approved for the benefit of our members.”
The group also issued warning to illegal miners operating along River Jimi and Pompo, urging them to cease their activities and remove their machinery within two days.
“Our national and district task force will be monitoring the situation, and we are prepared to take action against anyone found exploiting these water bodies,” he asserted.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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