Uniquenewsgh.com News, Politics, African News Updates & More
One of the difficult issues confronting mining communities and the mining sector is the payment of compensation for land acquired for mining purposes.
There are currently no standard compensation processes for crops, property, and land owners in mining areas.
It has had a significant impact on many people’s livelihoods and rights in these predominantly mining communities.
Mr Richard Agyei Poku, Executive Director of Livelihood for Environment Ghana, a Civil Society Organization (CSO), has urged Ghana’s next President John Mahama, to amend the Mineral and Mining Act 2006; Act 703, according to Section 74(2) “of the case of compulsory acquisition of property, prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation shall be made”.
He claims that amending the Act will provide better interpretation and compensation to affected landowners.
According to him, a draft proposal to amend the Mineral and Mining Act 2006, Act 703, was presented to President-elect John Mahama prior to the election for consideration as part of his mining sector reset measures in the coming days.
He added that many indigenous and foreign mining companies have refused to compensate people whose properties have been taken away and who have no other source of income.
Mr Richard Agyei Poku made this statement to the media after their Annual General Meeting and 20th anniversary launch in Kumasi.
“That section of the Mineral and Mining Act should be reviewed to gain a better understanding of who is eligible for compensation and the specific amount to be awarded. Our people are suffering because mining companies have taken away bear and farm lands without compensating the owners, which is extremely unfortunate”,he fumes.
Meanwhile Dr Yao Graham coordinator for Third World Network-African has also called on the next government to focus on a better planning strategy for the affected people in those mining communities and future generations.
“The government and mining agencies should not forget that the people have a stake in the natural resources that the companies are exploring; they must receive a fair share of the benefits, as well as support the people in the various mining communities through development initiatives”,he said.
He claims that because the people are the custodians of mineral resources, they must demand rural community development strategies from mining companies in order to create a sustainable economic environment and empower livelihoods in these mining communities.
By Enock Baffoe/uniquenewsgh.com
