Goaso (B/A), June 29, GNA - Farmers in Asunafo North and Asunafo South districts have rejected compensation offered them by a gold mining company and threatened to stop the company from operating in the area. Zeneth Mining Limited is undertaking exploratory activities in the area and is to begin full-scale mining by the end of the year.

The more than 300 farmers at Tweapease, Boakyeasua, Kwaa-Agyeikrom and Wajakrom consider the 20,000 cedis and 30,000 cedis per cocoa tree and between 10,000 cedis and 15,000 cedis to cassava, plantain, tomato and garden eggs cultivators offered by the company as inadequate. Investigations the Ghana News Agency conducted showed that tension was brewing in the area as some of the farmers have accepted the offer, making it difficult for the rest to push forward their case.

Efforts made to contact the Managing Director of the mining company proved futile as he was said to be in Accra.

A source at the company told GNA the rate of compensation was negotiated with the farmers, some of whom have now vowed to prevent the company from operating until they received adequate compensation. "Since we are going to be deprived of our livelihood for the rest of our lives, we must be paid something substantial, which we can invest in other economic activities to cater for our families", a spokesman for the farmers said.

When contacted, Mr Frimpong Boadu, Asunafo North District Coordinating Director, said the issue was of "great concern" to the Assembly but gave an assurance that an amicable settlement would be sought.