Bibiani (WR), June 5, GNA - Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has said that the Ministry would soon create a National forum where stakeholders would deliberate on the appropriate compensation for farmers whose crops are destroyed for mining activities and the provision of social amenities.

He said, for instance the less than GHC10 being paid by miners to cocoa farmers for each mature cocoa tree destroyed was unfair and expressed optimism that a review would create a congenial atmosphere for both stakeholders.

The Minister said these at separate meetings with the management and staff of Chirano Gold Mine and the Central African Gold Mine Companies, at Bibiani, when he toured the area on Wednesday. The Minister was accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Henry Ford Kamel, Mr. Ben Aryee, Executive Secretary of the Minerals Commission and Mr. Paul Atigla, Director in-charge Mines, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Mr. Amos Armah, Bibiani-Ahwiaso-Bekwai, District chief Executive and other Chief Executives of the Ministry and the Forestry Commission were also with him.

The visits formed part of the Minister's tour of a number of timber firms in Kumasi and mining agencies to drum home the need for them to liaise harmoniously with communities in the areas of their operations. The need for the companies to fulfil their social obligations and the proper reclaiming of land and forests were on the agenda. He said though the provision of amenities and the mining activities were meant to benefit the people measures had to be implemented to offset their negative impacts on the people adding, "We do not have to tie ourselves to the Land Valuation Board alone but deal with other stakeholders to solve the problems.

The Minister, who paid a courtesy on Nana Nkoan Okodom II, Chief of Bibiani, assured the agencies of the government's continued support and cooperation and expressed the hope that their activities would not impact negatively on the nation's resources. At Chirano, Mr John Seward, General Manager of the Gold Mine, said the company's production levels had been improving significantly. Mr. Yaw Boadi, General Manager of Central African Gold Mine, briefed the Minister on their activities.

Mr Amos Armah, the DCE, said he had received complaints of late payments of compensation and low employment of the youth from the district and called on the companies to review their policies to help reduce poverty. 05 June 09