EPA ensures strict compliance on re-mining pit

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting social concerns and other implications on a proposed re-mining pit project by the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) Limited at Nsuta-Tarkwa in the Western Region. This development, which is in accordance with Ghana Environmental Impact Assessment procedure, is to ensure that GMC works strictly according to the new mining law that states communities within 500 metres of a mining company should be relocated. In 2010 the EPA detected that GMC Limited had started digging the north “c” pit, which was not part of the initial agreement with their outfit. The pit had been a liability for the government of Ghana: EPA immediately stopped the activities of the company and asked them to procure the necessary document before proceeding with the work. Mr. Ali Sandow, Tarkwa Nsueam Municipal Director of EPA, addressing the chief, elders and people of Tarkwa Banso on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report on the proposed North “C” Pit project, disclosed: “The EPA has now received a draft EIS report by GMC Limited on the proposed project, as required under Act 490, section 12 (1) and Regulation 16 of the Environmental Assessment Regulations 1999 (LI 1652). “If the two parties come to a compromise, an independent committee will begin assessment on the resettlement process for the Tarkwa Banso Community, which would be affected if the company began operation.” Mr. Omar Timtey, Community Affairs Manager of GMC Limited, speaking at the public forum said the re-mining operation will affect a smaller portion of the Tarkwa-Banso Community, adding that the company is prepared to relocate that number. He appealed to the community to maintain calm as the company will be required by law to ensure that the welfare of every Ghanaian is put first. Mr. David Nsowa Ansah, Youth Secretary of Tarkwa-Banso, said that GMC Limited had not lived up to its social responsibility in the Tarkwa Community. He observed that throughout the 100 years of mining in the community, the company’s operations have caused health hazards, cracks in their buildings and a poor road network. “The community was not interested in the project, because the company has failed totally in improving the standard of the community,” he remarked.