Denkyirahemaa Wades Into Row Between Concerned Farmers Association And Perseus  

THE Queen-mother of the Denkyira Traditional Council (DTC) has asked members of the Concerned Farmers Association-Breman (CFAB) not to drag issues but sit down with Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited (PMGL) and negotiate for compensation.

According to Nana Ama Ayensua Saraa III, members of the CFAB whose farmlands would be adversely impacted by Perseus’ new Nkosuo mining project must come to the reality that the mining company has been granted a permit to undertake its operations, hence the need for them to enter into negotiations with Perseus for compensation.
         
In 2023, PMGL received license from Minerals Commission (MinComm) to extend its concession in three communities in the Upper Denkyira West District. 

The three communities are Breman, Nkotimso and Nkonya in the Upper Denkyira West District.

Following the granting of license, Perseus declared a moratorium on the construction of buildings, and planting of crops at the 289.6 hectares of land designated for mining activities.

However, this latest move by the Denkyirahemaa has been rejected by members of the concerned farmers association who see it as a last-minute attempt to help Perseus carry out its operations in their community which would largely destroy their cocoa farmers and render them incapable of fending for their families.

Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III is reported to have disclosed this skewed proposal at a meeting convened by her on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Odeefuo Boa Amposem Palace in Dunkwa-On-Offin, Central Region. 

In attendance were about 38 members of CFAB, officials of MinComm and COCOBOD, some chiefs within the traditional council and the DCE for the area.

However, according to reports, the meeting ended abruptly. 

This followed a heated argument that ensued between the officials of COCOBOD and MinComm present who both stated that they had a stake in the issue.

While COCOBOD officials were unhappy at this new twist, the MinComm representatives indicated that Perseus has been granted a permit to undertake its new mining project.

That situation, MyPagegh.com was told, compelled Nana Saara III to issue a two-week ultimatum to the two government agencies to resolve their differences and report back to her. 
       
Meanwhile, this latest move by the Denkyirahemaa has been vehemently rejected by members of the CFAB who see it as a last-minute attempt to help Perseus carry out its new operations which would largely destroy their cocoa and other cash crop farms and render them incapable of fending for their families.

Speaking with MyPagegh.com on condition of anonymity, the visibly disappointed farmers pointed out that it was obvious the Denkyirahemaa was fronting for and doing the bidding of Perseus.

According to the farmers, the open bias showed towards them during the meeting by Nana Saara III was enough reason that she was hell-bent on ensuring that the Nkosuo project comes off amid destruction of their cocoa and other food crops.

While Perseus were given ample time to make their case at the meeting, only three out of the 38 members who attended the meeting were asked to speak,” they lamented.  

“For us our position remains unchanged: we will continue our cocoa farming and other food crops. Farming is what we have been doing to fend for ourselves and our families and there’s no way we are going to sell our cocoa for gold. We are even super-excited that today a bag of cocoa has been increased and that’s incentive for us to produce more cocoa for export,” the farmers said.

In 2023, PMGL received license from Minerals Commission (MinComm) to extend its concession in three communities in the Upper Denkyira West District. 

The three communities are Breman, Nkotimso and Nkonya in the Upper Denkyira West District in the Central Region.

Following the granting of license, Perseus declared a Moratorium on the construction of buildings, and planting of crops at the 289.6 hectares of land designated for mining activities.