1,000 farmers receive compensation

Chirano Gold Mines Company Limited has paid a sum of GHC 3,400,000.00 as compensation to 1,124 farmers in Chirano, Akoti, Etwebo and its environs in the Bibiani Anhwiaso-Bekwai District in the Western Region.

The amount included arrears and 15% interest to the farmers who were under- compensated during 2004 general compensation exercise undertaken by the Company.

The company pleaded out-of-court settlement through the paramount Chief of Wiawso after the case had lingered in Court for the past 10 years.

These were disclosed in a meeting organized by the farmers' representatives and a section chiefs of Chirano last month at Chirano.

Speaking at the meeting, The Executive Director of Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG), Mr Richard Adjei-Poku, who is also a leading member National coalition on Mining(NCOM), expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for bringing victory to the farmers of after several years of litigation.

Mr Adjei –Poku advised the group to avoid any action that would divide the ranks of the group and encouraged the Concerned Citizens Association of Sefwi (COCAS) to continue the struggle and demand their rights as a community.