Minister Decries Attitude Of Mining Communities In Ahafo

The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, has implored communities within the operational areas of Newmont Ghana Gold to resort to dialogue with the mining company instead of embarking on demonstrations whenever they feel agitated. According to him, the attitude of these communities poses a major challenge to Newmont who he says has �done well� in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. �Some of the demands by the mining communities are beyond the reach of the company.� He said. The Regional Minister made the comments when the Parliamentary Press Corps visited the Regional Coordinating Council as part of the group�s visit to Newmont Ghana on Tuesday, August, 28. Mr. Nyamekye Marfo commended Newmont for sticking to its values and operating responsibly despite the (sometimes) unreasonably high demands and demonstrations by the youth in its host communities. �Sometimes they think Newmont is not treating them well. They cite a �quota system� for the employment of the youth, training of personnel and what they think they should be getting from Newmont. �The Regional Security Council has been meeting with the chiefs and people as well as Newmont to find solutions. But as an organization run by human beings in a community of human beings, there will always be problems, and we have to work continuously to resolve them.� �But so far Newmont Ghana has been living peacefully with the people and fulfilling their social responsibility,� Mr Nyamekye Marfo added.