Teleku-Bukazu (W/R), Sept. 29, GNA - The people of Teleku-Bukasu, have called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to educate them on the impact of mining before a mining company, the Adamus Resources Limited starts operation in the area. The call was to enable them allay their fears that mining operations would deprive them of their sources of livelihood. The people made the call at a public forum organized by EPA at Teleku-Budazo in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. The forum was the second to be organised following the dissatisfaction of the people at a first meeting regarding the impact of mining on the environment. Issues discussed at the meeting included blasting of rocks, water pollution, dust, land and construction of pits. Madam Efiba Sackey of SGS Consultancy gave a video presentation that depicted the social and economic impact of mining on the communities.

Mr John Blay an elder of Anwiaa Community said replacing streams with boreholes by mining companies, would deprive the community from enjoying certain resources like crabs and fish. He suggested that Government should rather give them some loans to expand their farms to improve their living standards rather than relying on Gold for development. Others also said people in the area depended on the land for farming and taking away their farmlands, life would be difficult them. Reacting to some the issues, Mr Anthony Alphaeus Cann Andoh, Director, EPA explained that mining license were given on merit, saying it should be based on explanation of mining and understanding of the catchment communities with the consent of EPA after thorough scrutiny of a mining company's report. He said EPA took into account issues that affect livelihood. Mr Andoh said Government would not sit down unconcern for the people to be denied of their sources of livelihood and that those areas that were not in the active mining would be released for the people to work on. He said when mining took-off there would be less pressure on government to provide social amenities. 29 Sept. 08