The Chief of Wassa Abreshia in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region, Nana Kweku Frimpong II, has strongly criticized Ghanhe Mining Company over what he described as the company’s continuous failure to fulfill its social responsibility obligations to the community despite operating on their lands for nearly a decade.
According to the chief, the mining company has neglected several development commitments made to the people of Wassa Abreshia prior to the commencement of its mining activities, leaving the community deprived of critical social amenities and infrastructure.
Addressing the media during a community engagement meeting, Nana Kweku Frimpong II expressed deep disappointment over what he termed the company’s disregard for the welfare and development of the host community.
He disclosed that traditional authorities, elders, opinion leaders, and residents have on several occasions attempted to engage the management of Ghanhe Mining Company on pressing developmental concerns, but their efforts have produced little or no positive outcome.
The chief lamented that despite the profits and economic benefits the company continues to derive from mining operations within the area, residents still face serious developmental challenges, including poor infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
Nana Kweku Frimpong II further revealed that within his six years on the stool, the traditional leadership, through self-help initiatives and support from other stakeholders, had managed to complete a school building for the community and is currently constructing a teachers’ bungalow to help improve educational delivery in the area.
He questioned why a mining company that has operated in the community for close to ten years has failed to execute meaningful development projects that directly impact the lives of residents.
“The community has supported the company’s operations over the years, yet the people have little to show for the resources being extracted from their lands,” the chief stated.
As a result, Nana Kweku Frimpong II issued a one-week ultimatum to the management of Ghanhe Mining Company to engage the community and provide clear timelines for the completion of all outstanding development commitments.
Meanwhile, the Unit Committee Chairman of Wassa Abreshia, Nana Kwame Amoateng, also voiced frustration over what he described as the company’s failure to honor several promises made to the community.
According to him, Ghanhe Mining Company had pledged to undertake a number of key development projects, including the construction of a health centre, classroom blocks, a durbar ground, portable drinking water systems, and a recreational park aimed at improving the living standards of residents and promoting socio-economic development in the municipality.
However, he lamented that years after those assurances were made, none of the major projects had been completed, leaving many residents disappointed and neglected.
Nana Amoateng stressed that access to healthcare, safe drinking water, and improved educational infrastructure remain major challenges confronting the community, making it necessary for the company to urgently fulfill its obligations.
He further called on the Minerals Commission, local authorities, and other relevant government institutions to intervene and ensure that the mining company complies with the agreements reached with the people of Wassa Abreshia.
Residents who attended the meeting shared similar sentiments, accusing the company of benefiting from the community’s natural resources while failing to contribute meaningfully to local development.
They appealed to the management of Ghanhe Mining Company to prioritize the welfare of the people and honor the promises made to the community before mining operations began.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
