Chiefs, mining firm reach agreement

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, BOLGATANGA The chiefs and elders of the Gbane Traditional Area have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shaanxi Mining Minerals Procession Company Limited to end the dispute that characterised mining business operations in the area. Under the MoU, the traditional rulers have ceded 71.16 acres of land outside the mining concession to be used for the construction of residential quarters and other structures in Gbane by the firm for a lease period of 50 years. In exchange, the mining company is expected to provide the community with social amenities including educational infrastructure, scholarship for students, employment opportunities, provision of ICT facilities and the construction of a social centre, a dam, as well as the repair and maintenance of a stretch of the road between Gbane and Talusi. The Shaanxi Mining Minerals Procession Company Limited is providing technical support services to two local mining groups operating in the community. At a media briefing in Bolgatanga, the Chief of Gbane, Naab Zelsom Nakahilad Pubortaab Naabil, in a speech read by his spokesperson, Turoung Zumah Yaro, said the company would build a nine-classroom block with two offices and two store rooms for the community. He also said the company was expected to provide five places of convenience for the community at locations to be decided by the community leaders. Naab Naabil added that as per the agreement, the company was also expected to give priority to the employment to members of the Gbane community and also provide a community centre for the people between 2017 and 2018. The Public Relations Officer of the Shaanxi Mining Minerals Procession Company Limited, Mr Maxwell Woomah, expressed joy at the final agreement reached with the community as it would provide a good and harmonious working environment. Benjamin Xornam Glover/Daily Graphic/Ghana Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh http://graphic.com.gh/General-News/chiefs-mining-firm-reach-agreement.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook