General News of Wednesday, 23 August 2017

Source: atinkaonline.com

Minister denies sabotaging Ibrahim Mahama over bauxite concession

Simon Osei Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Prempeh, has denied sabotaging Engineers and Planners (E&P) over a bauxite concession at Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region.

There was total confusion at Nyinahin on Monday after Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers and Planners were denied access to the Kyekyerewere Forest Reserve.

The action, according to reports sparked a misunderstanding between residents of Nyinahin and the company.

Speaking to Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive Tuesday, Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Prempeh explained that he did not deny E&P access to the forest reserve.

He added that he was only informed by his District Coordinating Director in Atwima of an unlawful entry by the company into the Nyinahin Forest Reserve.

According to him, he asked the company to provide documents permitting them to mine bauxite in the forest.

“I am waiting for documents from the Ministry of Lands and Forestry permitting Engineers and Planners to mine bauxite in the Nyinahin Forest Reserve,” he fumed.