Since last year, there has been a feud between the Minerals Commission and the Chiefs and people of Effutu Traditional Area in the Central Region. The fierce protestation by the people of Effutu, which is now assuming an alarming proportion, stemmed from the alleged decision of the Minerals Commission to lease parts of their lands to a company for mineral exploration.
It would be recalled that some time last year, a local company, Green Metal Resources, was said to have attempted to mine Lithium in the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site and Yenku Forest in Winneba.
However, the chiefs and the people of Effutu were vehemently opposed to this decision by the Forestry and the Minerals Commissions and warned the company to stay off to avert any deadly clashes.
According to the Paramount chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII, the sites had historical and cultural importance to the very existence of the people, saying; “We attach much interest in the area because if its historical, cultural, environmental and economic ties for us.”
Following the relentless efforts by Neenyi Ghartey and his people 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.
The Minerals Commission’s letter to Neenyi Ghartey, which was signed by the CEO, Mr Martin Ayisi, acknowledged that “Green Metal Resources Limited (Green Metals) did apply for a mineral right in the area”.
Due to the historical and cultural importance the people of Effutu attach to the places, Mr Ayis said the “Commission will not recommend the grant of any mineral right for Green Metals in the area and the company has been advised accordingly”.
Fast forward, there has been a new twist to the whole development around the consecrated lands owned by the people of Effutu, as well as two paramountcies namely Gomoa Ajumako and Gomoa Akyenpim Traditional Areas.
At a joint press conference, the three paramount chiefs, Obirifo Ahunakor Ahor Ankobea II, Neeyi Ghartey VII and Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI indicated that the same Minerals Commission which earlier agreed that their preserved lands were sacred, had suddenly made a u-turn on the promise.
According to them, the MC has allegedly given Eastern Trust Limited the right to do restricted mining in the same areas.
They, have therefore, vowed to resist any attempt by the commission to give permit to companies to venture into their lands particularly, the sacred places to do any form of mining without their consent.
The Chronicle is very much concerned about this development that has greeted the alleged permit issued to the said company to do restricted mining, especially as the chiefs have vehemently disagreed.
We, therefore, call on the Minerals Commission to give a hearing to the chiefs to understand their position and opposition to the said permit, so that a common ground could be found to iron out the tension that is brewing.
We have witnessed a similar situation around Ketu, in the past, where some individuals lost their lives.
In fact, coming event, they say, cast their shadows and if the fierce resistance by the chiefs and the people is anything to go by, then it could be envisaged that there is danger on the mountain.
The Chronicle strongly believes that no matter how powerful or independent the Commission is, it is important to underscore the point that the chiefs, who are the custodians of the land, should not be by-passes in taking such important decisions.
The Chronicle would want to draw the attention of stakeholders in the ensuing confrontations to go straight to the negotiation table and openly have dialogue to address their respective concerns and come to an amicable conclusion that would be mutually beneficial to both parties.
