Koforidua, Sept 04, GNA-Newmont Golden Ridge Limited (Akyem Project), has affirmed its commitment to develop the Akyem Mine by initiating early earthworks and construction of access roads to its proposed General Administrative building and processing plant sites. Mr. Marfo Oduro-Kwarteng, Communications Manager of the company, disclosed this at the quarter media briefing on the project in Koforidua on Friday.

He however indicated that the final capital commitment needed to construct the mine would be made before the end of the year by the company's Board of Directors. Mr. Oduro-Kwarteng indicated that the company had committed funds to pay compensation to all affected farmers once the Compensation Negotiation Committee (CNC), completed its assignment of negotiations. "So far, crop rates have been agreed, discussed with project affected farmers and awaiting final sign off by the CNC members next week".

According to him, the CNC was also finalizing discussions on the resettlement package, land use deprivation and immovable property compensations.

He said farmers and other asset owners who would be benefiting from those compensations were being prepared through financial management training to be better positioned to manage their funds well. "Farmers have also been encouraged to open bank accounts so that they would not carry bulk money home to attract social miscreants". Mr. Oduro-Kwarteng expressed the company's gratitude to all community members, traditional authorities, farmers, youth and all the people in the Akyem Project Area for their continuous support for the project.

He expressed worry over the destruction of water bodies through galamsey operations in the area. Mr. Oduro-Kwarteng said the manner in which liquid mercury was polluting the Pra and Mamang Rivers in the Eastern Region through galamsey operations at Noyem and Praso Kuma areas should be of concern to all. He called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to help address the situation.