Farmers whose activities have been affected by the mining operations of Newmont Akyem Mines, have petitioned the company, demanding for a roundtable discussions to enable them renegotiate properly for their source of livelihood that have taken away from them.

The farmers, under the umbrella name, Newmont Akyem Affected Farmers Association (NAAFA), in their petition dated October 16, 2018, and signed by their National Chairman, Ntiamoah Denkyira and eight others, claims that their farm lands which were their only source of income had been taken away of which no adequate compensation has been made to them.

Their meeting with the mining company, they noted, will enable them to negotiate properly for adequate compensation for their loss of livelihood.

The farmers also want Newmont Akyem Mines to renovate all their buildings that have received series of cracks and others demolished due to the constant blasting by the company.

Further to that, they want the mining company to restrain itself from allegedly manipulating or influencing some of their leaders to intervene on their behalf anytime the association raises such matters or declares its intent to demonstrate against them for “cheating and negative effects of the company’s activities of the farmers”.

They have in effect, giving the mining company seven working days to respond to their petition or risk facing an “unending demonstration” which will be very difficult to control by the Police.

Transparent Engagement

But Newmont in press statement also issued the same day said they are committed to transparently engaging with local communities to improve lives and collaboratively identifying solutions to mitigate impacts from its operations.

The company said the demands by the farmers have been heard but appealed to them to allow the legal process to run its course following earlier mediation efforts.