Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - The government on Wednesday assured the chiefs and people of the Newmont Ghana Ahafo operational areas of its commitment to appropriately pursue the resettlement programme for them.

A statement signed Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, named the areas under consideration as Kenyase No. 1, Kenyase No. 2, Ntotroso and surrounding areas. It said following the recommendations made by the committee set up to investigate the Newmont spillage, a team led by the Minister, Ms Sherry Ayittey, visited the area to interact with the chiefs and to learn at first hand the challenges facing the people in the affected communities. It said she told the people that the Ministry had engaged the services of a consultant to do a Needs Assessment of the communities. "The consultant has submitted his report on the Needs Assessment," the statement said.

It said "Request for Proposals (RFPs)" had been secured by six consultants and they were to submit their proposals by December 7, 2010 for the necessary actions to be taken.

"The Ministry would like to appeal to all who have interest in this matter to cooperate with the procurement process, which is on-going to enable the Ministry to ensure a befitting resettlement package not only for the people in the affected communities but also to ensure value for money." A committee was set up by the Ministry to investigate an alleged spillage by Newmont GH in their Ahafo operational areas. The committee after investigations found the allegation true and requested for compensation to resettle the affected communities, which Newmont GH has done.