The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Mr Godwin Armah, has categorically denied allegations of environmental degradation levelled against him and Transeco Mineral & Mining Limited, at Saamang, in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.
Recent reports have accused Mr. Armah of overseeing mining sites in the area that allegedly flout environmental regulations. However, Mr Armah and Transeco Mineral and Mining Limited have vehemently refuted these claims.
Transeco Mineral and Mining Limited maintains that these allegations are unfounded and misleading, and the company is committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Addressing the media, the management said that, their mining concessions given by their mother company is rather threatened by foreigners.
The management called on the government, the Minerals Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to intervene urgently to address the issue of illegal mining in the area.
Nana Kwaku Gyamera Antwi-Awuah, General Manager of Transeco Minerals and Mining Limited, embarked on a tour of the affected areas to underscore the devastating impact of illegal mining on their lands.
The management revealed that foreign nationals from Niger and Burkina Faso have infiltrated the area, encroaching on the company’s concession despite repeated reports to their parent company.
Nana Kwaku Gyamera expressed concern about the lack of knowledge, skills, and technical expertise among many small-scale miners and appealed to the government to establish a monitoring system to track the activities of small-scale miners, ensuring they adhere to regulations and reclaim the land after mining.
Nana Kwaku Gyamera denied allegations that the company is engaging in irresponsible mining practices. He indicated that the allegations are aimed at undermining their work in the Saamang community, adding that Transeco Mineral and Mining Limited has consistently demonstrated responsible and environmentally friendly mining practices.
Opinion leaders from Saamang also expressed grave concerns about the catastrophic consequences of rampant illegal mining activities in the area.
Nana Kwasi Adjaben Boateng, the Senaahene of Saamang, pointed to the devastating impact of illegal miners, who are causing damage to the community’s lands, forests, and water bodies.
Nana revealed that illegal miners are perpetrating reckless mining activities under the cover of darkness, and despite reporting these incidents to the police, no meaningful action has been taken. He further alleged that these miners have resorted to threatening the lives of those who dare to raise an alarm.
He highlighted Transeco’s significant contributions to the community, including the construction of doctors’ bungalows, clinics, and other vital social amenities.
Opanyin Oware Kyeremanteng also expressed frustration that, despite numerous attempts, the illegal miners only appear under the cover of darkness to engage in illicit mining activities.
