Blast at Bogoso Gold Limited attracts street demonstration

Prestea (W/R) April 7, GNA - Some irate residents at Aketoa, Mankessim and Krutown in the Western Region on Thursday demonstrated against a thunderous blast from the Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL), that destroyed their buildings and personal effects.

The demonstrators, wearing red bands amidst the singing of war songs, marched to the offices of New Century Mine (NCM), a subsidiary company of BGL at Prestea.

A police detachment, Management of NCM and Mr Stephen Piedu, Principal Mines Inspector of the Mines Department, Tarkwa met with representatives of the demonstrators to calm down tempers. Briefing the Ghana News Agency after the meeting, Mr Alex Mensah a resident of Aketoa accompanied by the Odikro (traditional head), Adamu Nuhu and the Queenmother, Rose Adjetey said the blast had caused cracks in a number of houses.

He recalled a similar incident in October last year, which caused similar damage without any compensation being paid to those affected. Mr Piedu said official investigations were underway to prevent reoccurrence.

Nana Richard Hagan, Safety, Environment and Community affairs Manager, BGL, said the Company looked forward to an amicable solution of the impasse.