The chiefs, Queenmother and people of Huniso in the Western Region have expressed their support for the renewal of the mining lease of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, citing the company’s significant contribution to socio-economic development in their communities over the years.
They said Gold Fields had played a key role in improving livelihoods in host communities such as Huniso through various development initiatives and investments.
According to them, the company’s commitment to sustainable livelihood programmes, particularly the “Empowering Communities through Oil Palm Production in Ghana” initiative, known as ECOPALMS Gh, launched at Pepesa one of the mine’s host communities had been highly beneficial.
The community-owned oil palm seedling production project, they explained, was designed to promote economic transformation and provide sustainable income sources for residents.
At a news conference held at Huniso yesterday, the Chief of Huniso, Nana Nvida, called on the Government to renew Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s mining lease, which is set to expire on April 27 next year.
He expressed optimism that government would take into account the developmental impact of the company in host communities when considering the renewal.
Nana Nvida said Gold Fields had demonstrated strong commitment to the welfare of its host communities through substantial investments in infrastructure, education and social intervention projects, insisting that the company deserved a renewal of its lease.
“We are the living testimony of what Gold Fields has done for our communities. If there is anyone qualified to speak about the impact of the company on the lives of people here, it is us, the host communities,” he said.
He noted that many young people from the area had benefited from the company’s educational support programmes, including scholarships from the Gold Fields Foundation, which had enabled them to pursue higher education and professional careers.
The chief further disclosed that his own son was now a graduate and mining engineer as a result of the scholarship scheme, adding that several others in the community had enjoyed similar opportunities.
Nana Nvida, however, urged the company to expand its support for youth development through skills training and apprenticeship programmes.
He said the continued presence of Gold Fields would help sustain existing development projects while creating further investment opportunities in the mining enclave.
For her part, the Queenmother of Huniso, Obaahema Yaa Damoah, highlighted the company’s role in transforming the area, particularly in infrastructure development and community investment. She cited the construction of roads and community centres in Huniso as key examples.
Speaking on behalf of residents of Huniso, Pepesa, Tebe and Abekoase, an opinion leader, Mr Frederick Anderson, said Gold Fields remained central to the economic wellbeing of the host communities.
While acknowledging calls for greater indigenous participation in the mining sector, he urged government to consider the realities of large-scale mining operations and the interests of affected communities.
Mr Anderson noted that although some groups had suggested handing over the mine to local operators, such a move must be carefully considered.
“It is a good idea for Ghanaians to mine their own resources, but we must also look at the realities. This mine requires huge financial investment and technical expertise to sustain operations, and currently we do not have any local group with the capacity to undertake such a venture,” he said.
He cautioned that any decision to discontinue the company’s operations without a credible alternative could adversely affect livelihoods in the mining enclave.
Photo: Nana Nvida addressing the news conference at Huniso.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Huniso
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