The Bibiani-Goaso road in the Western North Region is to be diverted by Mensin-Bibiani Gold Mining Limited.

This comes after exploratory studies showed a chunk of Mensin-Bibiani gold deposits falls beneath the asphalted stretch.

Therefore, the company is seeking an EPA permit to operate an expansion of two of its existing pits over a life of nine years.

But indigenes of the area are divided over which route a new road construction should take.

This took centre stage at an EPA-organised public hearing on the re-opening of surface mining operations of the Mensin-Bibiani Gold Mining Limited.

President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi-Anhwiaso, Nana Yaw Gyebi, wants the company to establish pollution levels in the area to serve as a guide when operations start.

"Even as we speak of measures to control dust, we have not even established the pollution levels. So, I want you to educate us on the pollution levels in the community. So, we can review them every six months." he said.

General concerns centred on a proposed diversion of the Bibiani-Goaso road, whose crux contains a chunk of the company’s gold deposits.

“By this proposal, the distance to this community would be extended.

Another also said, “Our kids travel this far for their education. We ask that, in any decision you take, those measures should protect us and the health of our kids”.

“If you want to divert somebody’s road, you engage in effective dialogue. You don’t engage the assembly. Is the assembly the road user?’’. Another said.

Lead Consultant with Geosystems Consultancy Limited and technical adviser to the mines Dr Charles Akayuli on his part said, "Because the cut back is going to affect the road, they have to take the road away from there so people going from Bibiani to Goso can have a road to pass”.

Because of the communities that are very close to the pit, they will take them to a new place and build houses for them”.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mensin Bibiani Ghana Limited, Kwame Ofosuhene Apenteng, said the decision on the road diversion will come after further consultations.

“Let us address the issue passionately. Because we’ve detected a lot of quality gold under the road. We are in the process; we can’t just start any road diversion without approval from the Cabinet.

“It’s a process; we are just seeking their opinion. It’s technical; we cannot even decide that this is where the road should pass, except the government agency.”

Meanwhile, an EPA permit for Mensin-Bibiani is to be considered based on the forum's outcome.