BGL spends $400,000 on its SALP

Bisichim (W/R), May 25, GNA - Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL) has spent a total of $400,000 on its Oil Palm Project, as part of its Sustainable Alternative Livelihood Programme (SALP) since 2002. This year alone, 634.5 million cedis representing $70,000 is to be expended on the project, which is being carried out in communities within BGL's operational area.

The communities included Mbease-Nsuta, Bondaye, Prestea, Himan, Kwame Niampa, Bogoso and Kumsono.

Mr Zacharia Issah, Senior Sustainable Livelihood Officer announced this at a presentation of farming inputs at a ceremony at Bisichim yesterday.

The farming inputs included 27,000 oil palm seedlings, 250 bags of fertilizer, 340 matchets and 100 Wellington boots in addition to the provision of technical assistance. Mr Issah said BGL was expecting 1226 acres of land being cultivated, as its target but 1050, representing 85 per cent had been realized so far.

He said 46 beneficiaries, whose performances were dismal have been expelled from the project, saying, his company would consider those who showed interest and commitment towards the programme. He said the Management of the company has withdrawn the 600,000 cedis cash component in the input package on the grounds that some people were only attracted by the cash and not the work, adding, however the money would be absorbed into purchasing of the farming inputs. Mr Issah disclosed that BGL would embark on small-scale holders oil palm plantation.

He appealed to the beneficiaries to live up to expectation to achieve the desired results.

Mr Kwaw Elgato, a beneficiary from Mbease-Nsuta pleaded with BGL management to reverse the decision of reducing the cash into purchasing of farming inputs because a lot of people have already borrowed money to clear their farmlands, hoping that the money would be provided for the payment of the cost of clearing the farmlands.

Dr Christopher Tagoe, acting Wassa West District Director of Agriculture told the beneficiaries to take advantage of the projects BGL had embarked upon because that would help them get some resource to help in their children's upkeep.

He advised them not to sell the farming inputs but to make judicious use of them.