MP protests against public hearing on mining activity

Tarkwa (W/R), Jan. 21, GNA - The Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni-Valley, Francis Adu Blay-Kwofie has protested against a public hearing on mining activity scheduled to take place on Tuesday at Mbease-Nsuta near Prestea.

The hearing was in connection with the Golden Star Bogoso/Prestea Limited (GSBPL) new mining activity in the area. In a protest letter, the MP said earlier operations of the GSBPL in Prestea failed to reclaim affected lands leaving colossal pits in the town.

He said the company's failure to fulfil other obligations suggested that it would do same at Mbease-Nsuta. Mr Kwofie said it would be appropriate to wait for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess the environmental impact of the mining firm on the community.

He also suggested that since no appointment had been made at the Environment Ministry, it would be prudent to properly evaluate the whole process.

The MP said it was important that the new government under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was allowed to settle down before taking any meaningful decision on the matter. 21 Jan. 09