Himan (W/R), Nov. 10, GNA - A sod-cutting ceremony was held at Himan near Prestea yesterday for the commencement of a 600-million-cedi Community Centre being undertaken by Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL). Addressing a gathering before the sod cutting, Nana Hagan Richard, Community, Safety and Environment (CSE) Manger, BGL, said his outfit was created to address concerns of the communities, which hitherto, the company overlooked owing to lack of time.

He said the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between BGL and Prestea-Himan-Bondaye Area spelt out favourable packages for the communities.

Nana Hagan said the MOU covers areas including employment of which 50 per cent of the working force would be allocated to the people in the area and priority would be given to local contractors when it comes to the award of contracts.

All these, he said, were aimed at creating wealth for the people in the area.

Nana Hagan was however, not happy about lies being peddled about the underground mine at Prestea, saying it was not the intension of the company to flood the mine but the excessive rainfalls and the galamsey operators, which had caused the flooding.

He said even though the situation is now under control, there was good grade deposit of gold underground and analyses are being made to find out if it is economically viable.

Nana Hagan said the MOU was signed to pave the way for the public hearing leading to the construction of Beta Boundary South Project at Prestea.

He said Beta Boundary South project involves installation of gold mill at Bondaye area and mining activities in general. Mr Albert Obbin, Member of Parliament (MP) for Prestea/Huni-Valley Constituency said the MOU would open a new page in the relationship between the mine and the catchments communities.

He said Prestea Area Consultative Committee would be formed to ensure that what is enshrined in MOU is implemented. Nana Akua Akoma queen mother of the town cut the sod. 10 Nov. 04