Dr Omane Boamah, Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has urged mining companies to operate strictly in conformity with rules on environmental safety. He asked the companies to ensure acceptable balance between mining and the physical environment and respect traditions and culture of people in mining communities. Dr Boamah was speaking at a forum on mining at Sefwi Akoti-Etwebo in the Western Region, organised by Abantu for Development Coalition and Partnership, Third World Network, African Challenge and Friends of the Earth, all coalition of non-governmental organizations, in collaboration with the Sefwi Concerned Citizens Association. He called for a second look at the country's mining policies and the Minerals Act to ensure that the interest of people in mining areas was better served. Ms Gertrude Frimpomaah Domfeh, official of Abantu, called on government to ban surface mining in forest reserves to protect the environment. She said the situation where rural communities were the worst victims of mining operations could be a recipe for social tension and disorder. Mr. Emmanuel Afreh, official of Minerals Commission, said government has formulated a draft mining policy, containing provision for alternative livelihoods, aimed at transforming the lives of people in mining communities. Mr Prince Eric Amoako-Atta, Chairman of the Association, complained about inadequate compensation for the people and destruction of water resources, food and cash crops through the activities of Chirano Gold Mine Limited. Source: GNA