Newmont Ghana says it is committed to transparent engagements with local communities to improve lives as well as mitigate the impact operations at the mine will have on the surrounding communities.

The company has also called on the section of community farmers seeking new and additional land and crop compensation, among other issues, to allow the legal process to run its course following earlier mediation efforts.

It follows Tuesday’s violent clash between angry residents and the police who had been deployed to ensure security and public order while protecting lives and property. The company said the security personnel were deployed after it received reports that the angry residents intimidated and threatened its staff.

Some individuals sustained injuries following the clash with the police personnel and are being treated. The Company in a statement, is calling on all sides to exercise restraint and good judgement to avoid confrontations.

“Newmont’s sustainability approach involves building and maintaining respectful relationships with our host communities. This means a strong commitment to direct, good-faith dialogue, while ensuring compliance with all relevant national laws, regulations, and international best practices,” said Joep Coenen, General Manager – Akyem Mine.

“As a responsible company, we have consistently met our legal obligations to our stakeholders since we began operations at Akyem and we will continue to do so,” said Mr. Coenen.

“As this case is currently before the courts, we urge any protesters to let the case run its course through the judicial system.”

In July, the community group embarked on a similar demonstration against Newmont Ghana to express dissatisfaction with the ongoing legal process concerning their demands for land and crop compensation and employment, as well as allegations of building cracks from mine pit blasting.

Prior to this, the Company had been in mediation with the farmers led by an independent arbitrator. The parties continued to engage on the matter through the mediation process until the case was referred back to court. Newmont Ghana will continue to focus on engaging with stakeholders to address their needs and concerns, fairly, respectfully and responsibly.

“We will continue transparent and respectful engagement with our stakeholders, including the farmers, Stool Land Owners and District Security Committee (DISEC) as we work towards resolving this issue amicably,” concluded Mr. Coenen.