We are open to dialogue - Perseus Mines to demonstrators

Perseus Mining Company, operators of the Sankofa Mines at Ayanfuri in the Central Region, has advised the youth of the area, who wants to take over part of its mining concession to use dialogue.

Mr Edwin Allotey Acquaye, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, said the company is open to dialogue but due processes must be followed.

This comes on the heels of an angry demonstration staged by the youth of Ayanfuri, to protest against, what they said was the refusal of Perseus Mines to cede part of its concession for small-scale mining.

Mr Acquaye told newsmen that the youth and their leaders must get right with the law and accept to use the proper procedures in their bid to enter portions of the company’s land.

He said they had on many occasions indicated to them that the concession has been legally acquired and if they want any portion of it, there are processes and procedures they need to go through at the Minerals Commission.

Mr Acquaye said the company was surprised by the decision of the youth to hit the streets instead of following the advice given to them.

He said the company had over the years built strong relationships with the communities within its area of operation and the expectation was that the youth would sit down with them to find a common ground on the issue.

He said the company would continue to engage the people in the mining area to ensure peaceful co-existence.