AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has successfully reclaimed a non-operational 30-year old Boete Tailings Footprint. As a result, the company is ready to release some 123 hectres of land for Community Settlement and industrial site development.
The Senior Manager, Environment of AGA, Mr. George Owusu-Ansah made this known at the celebration of World Environment Day held at the Christ the King SHS at Obuasi.
The Boete lands, Mr. Owusu-Ansah noted, now boasts of demarcated plots with electricity, good roads and water supply infrastructure and ready to be integrated into the Obuasi community for economic development.
He said the mine has also restored the Eaton Turner Shaft (ETS) to its former glory, ready to welcome real estate developments, businesses and various sectors eager to contribute to the growth of Obuasi.
“By reclaiming and restoring lands no longer in use for mining, we have not only mitigated its environmental impact, but also paved the way for sustainable development and a brighter future for Obuasi and its environs”, Mr. Owusu-Ansah added.
The Obuasi Area Head of EPA, Mr. Prempeh Adarkwa Yiadom, noted that the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals have poisoned our soils, seeped into our river bodies and endangered public health.
He said it is high time, as a nation, that we embrace eco-friendly farming techniques that nurture the soil, save guard our waters and nourish our bodies.
Dr. David Azanu, Lecturer in Environmental Science at the Obuasi campus of KNUST, called for active participation in community initiatives aimed at restoring and preserving our lands.
The Odikro of Bossman Community in Obuasi, Nana Abu Bonsra, who chaired the function, condemned the mass destruction of the environment and the water bodies as a result of galamsey activities.
He pointed out that it is Ghanaians who lead the foreigners to come and destroy our forest for gold. The highlight of the day’s programme was the presentation of prizes to schools and students who excelled in a quiz on environment alongside tree planting.
Asare Bediako SHS won the quiz competition on the environment.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
