Tuesday, February 11, 2025
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AGBL strikes deal with Bibiani Zongo & Old Town on resettlement and mining impact solutions

In a major development for the residents of Bibiani Old Town and Bibiani Zongo and Asante Gold Bibiani Ltd (AGBL), a agreement has been signed to address the long-standing issues stemming from mining activities in the area.

The formal agreement, signed on the 21st of January 2025, marks a crucial step towards resolving the community’s complaints about the environmental impacts of mining operations, the delay of the resettlement project, and other socio-economic concerns.

The event took place at the royal residence of His Royal Highness Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area (SATA), who facilitated the engagement between the affected communities and the mining company.

The agreement outlines several steps for AGBL to mitigate the negative impacts of its mining activities, fulfill resettlement promises, and ensure the well-being of local residents.

The Roots of the Agreement

The agreement comes after a series of discussions initiated by His Royal Highness Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who took it upon himself to address the growing concerns of the communities regarding the environmental and health challenges brought about by AGBL’s mining operations.

The mining activities, including frequent blasting and dust emissions, have had detrimental effects on the daily lives of the residents, causing damage to properties and affecting the overall quality of life in the region.

Additionally, the delayed resettlement project, which was promised by AGBL years ago, has compounded the challenges faced by the local population.

His Royal Highness, deeply concerned about the welfare of his people, convened a meeting between AGBL and the affected community leaders, including the Chiefs of Bibiani Old Town and Bibiani Zongo, Nana Sekyim Kwandoh II and Nana Sulemana Awudu Minasara III, respectively. The discussions culminated in the signing of a formal agreement between all parties involved.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

The comprehensive agreement contains several key provisions aimed at addressing the community’s concerns and ensuring a more sustainable approach to mining in the region. Below are the main highlights:

  1. Resettlement Project – Phase I:
    1. As a first step towards fulfilling its promise to the affected communities, AGBL has committed to the immediate commencement of the construction of 100 housing units as part of the Phase I of the resettlement project. The project is scheduled to begin no later than 15th February 2025, with completion expected within six months of its initiation. This will provide much-needed housing for residents displaced by mining activities.
  • Environmental Mitigation Measures:
    • One of the core elements of the agreement is AGBL’s commitment to reducing the negative environmental impact of its mining operations. Specifically, AGBL will focus on reducing the harmful effects of blasting activities, which have caused damage to properties and posed a risk to the safety of residents. In addition, AGBL has agreed to implement measures to control dust emissions from mining activities, including the increased use of water bowsers to suppress dust and improve air quality in the affected communities.
  • Health Screening for Local Residents:
    • As part of its responsibility to address health concerns raised by the communities, AGBL has committed to conducting comprehensive health screenings for all residents of Bibiani Old Town and Bibiani Zongo. These screenings will be carried out within the next two months, with a focus on detecting health issues related to the environmental impacts of mining, such as respiratory and waterborne diseases. AGBL has assured the communities that it will take immediate action to address any health concerns that arise from these screenings.
  • Continued Engagement and Monitoring:
    • The agreement also highlights the importance of continued engagement between AGBL and the local communities throughout the implementation of the resettlement project and environmental mitigation measures. Both AGBL and the community representatives have agreed to establish regular channels of communication to ensure that the concerns of residents are addressed promptly and that the mining company is held accountable for its commitments.

The Role of His Royal Highness Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II

His Royal Highness Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II has played a pivotal role in facilitating the dialogue between AGBL and the local communities.

As the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II has long been a champion of development and responsible resource management in the region.

His leadership in bringing both parties together underscores his commitment to ensuring the well-being of the residents and promoting sustainable mining practices.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, noting that it represented a significant step towards fostering peaceful and constructive relations between the mining company and the communities. He emphasized the need for continued dialogue to ensure that both economic development and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.

Community Leaders React to the Agreement

The community leaders, including Nana Sekyim Kwandoh II of Bibiani Old Town and Nana Sulemana Awudu Minasara III of Bibiani Zongo, also expressed their gratitude for the efforts made by AGBL and His Royal Highness to address their concerns.

They emphasized that the agreement is an important milestone in their ongoing struggle for better living conditions and protection from the adverse effects of mining.

The Commitment of AGBL

Samuel Kwesi Takyi, the General Manager of AGBL, signed the agreement on behalf of the company. In his statement, Takyi reiterated AGBL’s commitment to working closely with the local communities and addressing their concerns in a timely and transparent manner.

He assured the communities that the company would do everything in its power to ensure the successful implementation of the resettlement project and environmental mitigation measures.

“We understand the challenges the communities have faced, and we are committed to being part of the solution,” Takyi said. “This agreement is just the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation and responsibility. We are fully committed to improving the lives of the people of Bibiani and ensuring that our mining activities are conducted in a way that benefits everyone.”

A New Era of Cooperation

The signing of this agreement marks a new era of cooperation between AGBL and the communities of Bibiani Old Town and Bibiani Zongo.

It represents a turning point in the relationship between the mining company and the local population, with a shared commitment to addressing the environmental and social impacts of mining while ensuring that development is inclusive and sustainable.

As the resettlement project gets underway and environmental measures are put in place, the people of Bibiani are hopeful that their lives will improve and that future generations will benefit from a healthier and more prosperous environment.

This agreement sets an important precedent for other mining companies operating in Ghana and demonstrates that with dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect, both the communities and the industry can thrive together.

Conclusion

The historic agreement between AGBL and the Bibiani communities represents a crucial step forward in addressing the concerns of residents and ensuring a more sustainable future for all.

With His Royal Highness Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II’s leadership, the commitment of AGBL, and the support of community leaders, there is hope that the promises made in this agreement will be fulfilled, bringing about positive change for the people of Bibiani and paving the way for a more responsible mining industry in Ghana.

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