Newmont Africa Has Been Called Upon To Suspend Its Ahafo North Exploration Following Concerns Raised By Local Farmers

An advocacy nonprofit organisation, The Environment Report, has urged for a halt in all exploration activities at the Newmont Ahafo North project until the concerns of farmers regarding the damage to their farmlands are properly addressed. 

Farmers in the mining area are increasingly frustrated as they voice their concerns about the detrimental impact of the multinational company's operations on their livelihoods and the environment. 

In a statement, Mr. Awudu Salami Sulemana Yoda, the Director of the Environment Report, emphasised the importance of addressing the concerns of farmers and preventing any further escalation of tensions. 

He highlighted the significance of Newmont addressing and resolving these concerns to foster a more sustainable relationship with the communities in its vicinity. 

Following three days of visits by the NGO to five communities in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region, concerns were raised about the proposed development of a new mining site by Newmont Africa. 

Based on Mr. Yoda's statement, it appears that the mining company may want to think about temporarily halting its exploration activities.   The local population has suffered greatly from the detrimental effects on farmlands, leading to a loss of livelihoods. 

During the recent visit from October 15–18, 2023, it was discovered that Newmont Africa had initiated the clearing of farmlands, some of which were entangled in legal disputes. 

There has been an incident involving Newmont Africa that has caused damage to the properties of local farmers. This includes the destruction of teak trees, cocoa farms, palm trees, and food crops.   The farmers assert that there was no consent given and that no negotiations for compensation occurred. 

Mr. Yoda discussed the stories of various farmers who were affected by mining operations.   Several farmers, including John Mensah, Chairman of the Concern Farmers Association at Terchire, Beatrice Mensah, Yaw Paul Asare, Abraham Amo Mensah, Gabriel Kofi Nelson, and Emmanuel Kwame Marfo, expressed their concerns about the impact on their livelihoods. 

"The farms are crucial for the farmers' livelihoods, and they express their frustration about the lack of compensation from Newmont Africa for the damage caused to their properties," he stated. 

Furthermore, he highlighted the stark difference between their findings and the official statement issued by Newmont Africa on September 13, 2023.   The company acknowledged in a statement that their exploration team had inadvertently impacted a farm that had not yet received compensation. 

In 2020, fishponds, including one owned by Mr. Sampson Owusu, a well-known fish farmer in the Ahafo Region, experienced considerable damages. 

Reports indicate that fish farmers in the area have been greatly affected by the activities in Newmont, Africa, resulting in the destruction or contamination of numerous ponds. 

He mentioned several fish farmers who were impacted, including Nana Bonin Nkrawiri IV, Samson Owusu, Amoako Anthony, Moses Addai, Justice Kwame Ntim, Damptey Agyemang Peter, Enoch Damptey Agyemang, Andrews Adu-Amankwa, Paul Yaw Asare, Ahmed Said Addai, Issaka Abudu, Georgina Tamakloe, Agyen Hayford, Abdul Hamid Issaka, Grace Antwiwaa, and Christopher Kwarteng. 

During our visit to the fish ponds in Afrisipakrom, our mission team discovered a distressing sight. Some of the ponds we encountered were contaminated, while others were in a state of utter devastation.   Surprisingly, the fish farmers have not received any compensation from Newmont Africa, even though the company has taken away their means of livelihood. 

According to his account, the 2020 Ahafo Best Fish Farmer stated that Newmont had refused to take responsibility for compensating the fish farmers, despite the significant damage caused and the negative impact on their livelihoods. 

The lawyers representing the fish farmers strongly disputed Newmont's claim that the fish ponds were speculative development in a petition dated September 22, 2023. 

The farmers vehemently opposed Newmont's stance, arguing that it was completely misguided and disregarded the legal obligations to compensate those impacted by mining activities. 

The petition from the Chambers of S.K. Boafo and Co. highlights the need for fair compensation to be given to the fish farmers who have been affected. 

Even though Mr. Yoda gave a 14-day notice, he is disappointed that the farmers have been waiting for a response from Newmont Africa for more than a month.   The lack of communication has been particularly distressing for the farmers, as it has significantly impacted their livelihoods. 

The speaker highlighted the importance of upholding human rights in mining projects and urged Newmont Africa to temporarily suspend exploration activities at the Ahafo North Project.   This would address the concerns raised by farmers, including those who are currently engaged in land disputes, as well as the fish farmers who have been affected. 

He also called on the company to stop its legal actions against certain individuals from the Concerned Farmers at Terchire and instead seek a peaceful resolution with the assistance of a mediator. 

Newmont Africa has consistently involved various stakeholders in its mining operations in Ghana through the use of committees.   These committees, comprised of farmers, property owners, traditional leaders, and community and government representatives, have a vital responsibility in deciding compensation for farmers. 

Despite the dissatisfaction of the farmers with the Committee's efforts, Newmont Africa needs to address their concerns through renegotiations.   It is crucial to recognise that individuals impacted by the situation face the possibility of losing their means of income indefinitely. 

A recent press release on July 15th, 2021, highlighted the significant potential of the Ahafo North Project as an untapped gold reserve in West Africa.   It is of utmost importance that individuals affected by the project are adequately compensated for the inconveniences they have experienced.