Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah has urged management of Asanko Gold Mine in the Amansie West District of the region to deepen relations with the communities and engage them especially on issues regarding jobs and things that directly affect the lives of the people.
This, according to the minister would help to reduce suspicions that local people harbour which in most cases lead to unnecessary confrontations with mining companies.
“It is really necessary for you to constantly engage the communities on your operations so as to build sustainable and effective partnership in building this community; for them to know what really goes on, on the grounds,” the Minister advised.
Mr Simon Osei-Mensah gave the advice when he, together with members of the Ashanti Regional Security Council paid a visit to the mining site.
The Minister and his entourage visited the company to know and help address issues confronting them and their communities.
Their visit to the mines was also to check operational activities and also help find remedies to numerous petitions filed by residents.
According to the Minister, for the company to operate without facing the wrath of the youth, they should prioritize the needs of the youth, and act accordingly in their capacity.
The Executive Corporate Affairs Manager of the mines, Frederick Attakumah, revealed to the Minister that the company was losing hope in the traditional authorities since they rather endorsed applicants who were not from the catchment area but outsiders.
The General Manager-Operations at Asanko, Mr. Charles Amoah, explained how the company had helped in addressing some of the needs of the communities.
He said, the Asanko Gold Mines partnered with some companies from Germany and Canada to build a library for the community to enhance teaching and learning and also to train the youth in Vocational Skills in year 2016.
Mr. Amoah added that the company has also built a Cooperative Credit Union to provide access to credit for small businesses within the communities and a 200kVA/0.44kV power transformer to the community to replace an old unit.
