Bogoso Gold Limited displays characteristic impunity

Accra, Oct. 04, GNA - Bogoso Gold Limited, a subsidiary of Golden Star Resource of Canada, was at its impunity best when it continued to carry out its mining operations in Prestea in spite of an order by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop operations there. A statement issued jointly by the Wassa Association of Communities Affected By Mining (WACAM) and Concerned Citizens Association of Prestea on Tuesday said: "We wish to draw attention to the fact that EPA gave the order for the Company to stop its mining operations in Prestea about three weeks ago but the Company flouted the order and continued its mining operations until 28th September 2005."

It said it was only through the continued struggle and vigilance of the people of Prestea, Himan and Dumasi against the mining operations of BGL that the directive of the EPA was enforced.

The statement, which was signed by the Chairman of the Concerned Citizens Association, Mr Godfred Ofori and the Executive Secretary of WACAM, Mr Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, among others, commended the EPA for taking the bold step to stop part of BGL's operations in Prestea. It observed that the activities of BGL had left the people with many problems including the pollution of the communities' water sources; dumping of mine waste near the Government Hospital in Prestea and buildings developing cracks and destruction of electrical and electronic gadgets of residents as a result of blasting.

The statement called on Parliament to be guided by the experience of Prestea, Himan and Dumasi to enact mining laws that would protect communities against such ordeals that result from mining operations. The EPA directed BGL to stop operations at its north pit plant in Prestea until it had complied with its own mitigating measures as contained in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). EPA explained that it took that long to react because it did not want to create the impression that Ghana was not investor friendly.