The overlord of Newmont Ahafo North mining communities, Nana Boakye Tromo II, says should the mining company decide to halt the commencement of operations in the area due to the continuous legal battles, the people will suffer.

Some aggrieved persons, led by one Enoch Kofi, are in court to seek redress over what they describe as an unfair compensation regime for new properties.

There are two categories of people who own properties in the project-affected areas -those who had properties before 2017 when the mining area was declared and those who acquired or put up properties after the mining area declaration.

New structures and farms continue to spring up with anticipation of compensation from Newmont, but it seems it won’t be as easy as was thought.

And the disagreement and the other related compensation issues ended up in court, further delaying the commencement of the mining operations.

But the chief, who is also the Chief of Duayaw Nkwanta in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region, is rather urging for an amicable resolution to the issues for the sake of the community’s economic growth.

He spoke at a press briefing at his palace at Duayaw Nkwanta and attended by the chiefs of the project-affected communities.

The chief said that he has heard rumors that the mining company is contemplating pulling out of the area but added that there is nothing official from the company to him.

Nana Boakye Tromo II, however, said he would be disappointed if it turns out to be true a situation that would end the anticipated economic development in the five mining communities –Adrobaa, Afrisipakrom, Terchire, Susuanso, and Yamfo, and beyond in the Ahafo Region.

Nana Odiasempa Boadu II, the chief of Adrobaa, said, “Even before the company starts operations, we are benefitting from the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) in areas of scholarships, mechanized boreholes, bungalows, and many other developmental works”.

He further said many of the youths are putting up residential buildings that were imaginable for most residents outside the country.

“We are enjoying now, so it will affect us if they don’t start mining”, he opined.

On his part, the chief of Terchire, Nana Okoh Agyemang Boakye II, also appealed to the aggrieved residents to truncate the court case and allow the matter to be handled, so as not to affect the economic activities in the area.

He noted that the back and forth started long ago, but they have been tasked by the overlord to ensure the youth get jobs and they are working towards that though not through violent means.

“People must understand that Newmont has not said they won’t pay for the new roofing sheet structures”, he said, adding that they should go through the process.

He urged concerned residents to use the office at the district assembly, tasked to deal with compensation and other related issues to resolve their concerns.

Nana Okoh Agyemang Boakye II also said their door is equally opened to help address such concerns and “so they should withdraw the court case for Newmont to start work.”

Nana Bonini Nkrawiri, chief of Afrisipakrom revealed that they are still engaging the aggrieved people for the way forward.