Tarkwa (W/R), Oct. 23, GNA - A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL) and Prestea-Himan-Nsuta communities in the Wassa West District was signed at a ceremony at Tarkwa. This was to pave the way for the public hearing, leading to the construction of Beta Boundary South Project involving installation Of a gold mill at Bondaye area and mining activities in general. Mr Neil Stevenson, Acting Genera Manager of BGL signed on behalf of his company and Nana Aya Twumasi Srafo, Gyaasehene of Himan signed on behalf of the communities.

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Ayensu, Wassa West District Chief Executive, Nana Hagan Richard, Community, Safety, and Environmental Manager, BGL, Hon. Albert Kwaku Obbin, MP, Prestea/Huni-Vally Constituency and Mr Emmanuel Korsa, Prestea Urban Council Chairman also signed as witnesses. The eight-page MOU addressed issues, which hitherto served as stumbling block for the construction of the Beta Boundary South Project by BGL.

Under the MOU, BGL would carry out mining activities in the Prestea-Himan-Nsuta area without hindrance and public hearing for the Beta Boundary South Project could now take place.

Again BGL would continue with the exploration of the underground mine to determine the economic viability of the mine and in conjunction with the government BGL would assist in identifying a site for the registered small-scale miners to carry out legalised mining. The MOU further said BGL would carry out all the outstanding projects promised during 2002 public hearing.

In recent times, there have been conflicts between the communities and BGL, especially when BGL started surface mining at Prestea. Because of this, the communities opposed the public hearing leading to the construction of Beta Boundary South Project.

The reasons given for opposing the Beta Boundary South Project include BGLs failure to fulfil promises made before the last public hearing in 2002 and failure to re-open the underground mine after two years of care and maintenance.