Sefwi Wiawso-W/R -- The Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council has given the go-ahead for the proposed mining operations by the Chirano Gold Mining Limited in the area.

The Omanhene of the Traditional Area, Nana Nkuah Okumdom II, has on behalf of his people announced their unflinching support for the project.

The chief said the management of the company has, even at the exploration stage, continuously involved them in discussions on their operations and are convinced that the proposed mining activity will not only open up the place for development but also the company will operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

According to Nana Okumdom, the CGML has exhibited its social responsibility to the communities by providing certain assistance in the form of boreholes, school buildings, teacher's bungalow and other community development projects in some communities.

Reacting to concerns raised against the project by opposers at a press conference at the weekend, the Omanhene stated that the Tano Suraw Forest Reserve (TSFR), which falls wholly within the Wiawso Traditional Area, would not be affected by the project, neither will the headwaters of Ankobra and Mamnao Rivers be destroyed as claimed.

He said all other mining infrastructure such as treatment plant, tailing sites office and accommodation would fall outside the Forest reserve.

It is against this conviction and the economic prospects of the project to the people and the nation as a whole that the chief has urged the government to disregard criticisms and comments against the proposed mining project in the TSFR and go ahead to provide the mining company with the necessary permit to commence operation in the area.