Chiefs appeal for their share of tax from GREL

Wassa Simpa (w/r), Dec. 24 GNA - Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, Chairman of the Association of Chiefs on Whose Land Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) Operates (ACLANGO) has noted with concern that even though GREL had honoured its tax obligations, since its divestiture in 1996, none of the affected chiefs have received their due share of revenue from its operations.

"This is a source of worry to the chiefs, since their counterparts in the mining areas continue to enjoy their percentage of revenue accruing from the operations of mining companies" he added.

Awulae Kwame, who is also the Paramount Chief of Nsein, made these remarks at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ACLANGO at Wassa Simpa near Tarkwa on Wednesday.

The chairman cited Ahanta West, Wassa Fiase, Lower and Upper Dixcove, Nsein, Gwira, Lower Axim and Eastern Nzema as constituting the affected paramountcies in the Western Region. Awulae Kwame therefore, appealed to the government to expedite action on the payment of annual rent due to the affected traditional areas.

He also expressed concern about the stealing of rubber lumps from the plantations, the activities of galamsey operators, illegal sand winning and the collection of firewood from the plantations. Awulae Kwame appealed to the chiefs to educate people in their respective communities about the effects of such acts on the plantations.

Mr Marc Ginot, General Manager in charge of Finance and Administration of GREL said the company is prepared to assist in improving the living conditions of the people by providing them with social amenities.

He said the company would soon set-up a scholarship scheme for residents within the catchment's areas of the company.