Dumasi (W/R) June 18,-GNA- For the fifth day running, landowners of Dumasi near Bogoso in the Wassa West District of the Western Region, whose lands were taken over by Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL), for construction of a new tailings dam have besieged the site demanding payment of compensation agreed upon between BGL and land owners. This was due to the failure of the Mining Company to honour its agreement as enshrined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The landowners claimed that because their lands have been taken over by the Mine, they could not undertake farming activities this year. According to them, the MOU between BGL and the community spelt out payment of an amount to enable the landowners acquire new lands to cultivate.
They said some people have been paid, while others have not and this prompted their action.
A source from BGL said the money for the payment of the compensation is ready but unfortunately the Paramount Chief of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwamina Enimil VI has sent BGL to court insisting that the money be paid to him instead of the landowners. The source said the mine cannot pay the money until the court determines who is the rightful owner or occupant of the land. Meanwhile, a Sekondi High Court has advised that BGL should lodge the amount into an Escrow account.
