Three Paramount Chiefs in the Central Region, namely, Obirifo Ahunakor Ahor Ankobea II, Neeyi Ghartey VII, and Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, have heatedly warned the Minerals Commission to completely stay away from their sacred sites.
According to the revered chiefs who represent the Gomoa Akyempim, Effutu, and Gomoa Ajumako traditional areas, respectively, the Minerals Commission has a penchant for leasing out their consecrated lands for mining purposes despite their fierce resistance.
Addressing a joint press conference, the respected chiefs disclosed that, despite their strong opposition to the idea, the Commission was committed to giving out their sanctified lands without their consent.
They, therefore, vowed to resist moves by the MC to lease out portions of their sacred lands for mining activities because those areas formed part of their very existence as a people.
Contentions of the chiefs
Restricted mining, they said, would remove the vegetation cover of their lands and affect its topography if it included blasting of rocks, insisting that rock- and soil-laden mineral ore would destroy the two streams that feed the Muni Lagoon.
They added that the blasting would definitely scare wildlife from their area, starve them to extinction, and end up exterminating both plant and animal life in the streams.
An end to the Ramsar site, the said, would adversely affect the Aboakyer Festival of the Effutu people and cause massive environmental degradation to the Munii-Pomadze Ramsar site, which has been long preserved as a heritage site.
“We have carefully studied what transpired last year, and we both agree with the issues, and we say that for the sake of the protection of our environment, which is also a protected area, we are saying no to this concession,” they ended.
There was heated controversy between the chiefs and people of Effutu and Green Metal Resources following the latter’s desire to mine lithium in the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site and Yenku Forest in Winneba.
The chiefs and the people of Effutu vehemently protested this decision by the Forestry and Minerals Commissions and warned the company to stay off to avert any deadly clashes.
The Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII, said the mentioned sites had historical and cultural importance to the very existence of the people.
He added that any form of mining exploration at the Ramsar site would lead to the extinction of the flora and fauna in the two streams as well as the lagoon.
He continued that Winneba was one of Ghana’s five coastal wetlands, which included Sakumo, Keta, Densu, and Songhor, but already the safety of Sakumono, Densu, and Songhor has been compromised.
“We attach much interest to the area because of its historical, cultural, environmental, and economic ties for us… We do not want to arrive in the same state as Accra and other flood-prone communities in the country, and we, the people of Effutuman, are saying ‘no’ to mining operations or activities at the Muni Pomadze Ramsar site.
It is on record, not once or twice but on several occasions, that we, and here I mean the Forestry Commission and the Effutu Paramountcy, have drawn attention to the Legislative Instrument establishing this area as a protected area.
It specified what cannot be done within it, yet we continue to receive surprises from institutions like the Lands Commission and the Minerals Commission with proposed projects falling within this protected area,” he said.
Due to Neenyi Ghartey and his people’s decision never to sacrifice their sacred land, the Minerals Commission quickly issued a statement to assure the people that the areas in question had not been given out for any exploration.
Minerals Commission writes to Omanhen
The Commission’s letter to the Omanhen of Effutu referenced MC.PL.3/109, which acknowledged the concerns raised by the chiefs and the people and their resolve never to allow any mining in the sacred forest.
Signed by the CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Ayisi, the letter acknowledged that “Green Metal Resources Limited did apply for a mineral right in the area.”
According to the Commission, it did not recommend the grant of any mineral rights, nor did the Minister of Land and Natural Resources grant any mineral rights or leases to the company or to any company to explore or mine any mineral in the area in question.
“It is important to state that under the mining laws of Ghana, the chiefs and the communities must be consulted before any mineral rights can be recommended by the Commission, and the same is granted for any mineral activity or operation to take place in any area in Ghana,” Mr. Ayisi indicated in the letter.
The Commission will not recommend the grant of any mineral rights for Green Metals in the area, and the company has been advised accordingly,” he added.
The Omanhen of Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, said the same commission that agreed to the earlier position of Effutumanhen has now changed its stance.
“Surprisingly, our lands have been given out without our consent, and this is depressing and disrespectful, to say the least, and we will resist any attempt to sacrifice our sacred sites,” he said.
