The People of Etwiebo, Akoti & Chirano Protest

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A Call for Action by the People of Etwiebo, Akoti and Chirano on the Negative Effects of the Operations of Chirano Gold Mines

Environment Unit10/24/2006

We the Chiefs, Elders and members of Etwiebo, Akoti and entire Chirano communities in the Bibiani-Anhiawso-Bekwai District of the Western Region of Ghana wish to call attention to and action on our plight and problems, which are the result of the activities of Chirano Gold Mines, an Australian Mining Company operating in Ghana.

Since the arrival of Chirano Gold Mines in the Etwiebo and Akoti area about a decade ago the quality of life of our people has been deteriorating due to lack of access to income generating opportunities, basic sources of livelihood and some fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of movement, respect and safe environment.

The activities of the company have resulted in a decisive destruction of the foundation upon which we used to access and enjoy basic and fundamental sources of livelihoods and freedoms. Our farmlands, cocoa plantations, water resources, and the environment have been destroyed by the activities of Chirano Gold Mines. We no longer have the golden opportunity of shifting cultivation as access to land for farming has been constrained by the activities of the company. Our water resources which used to provide us with a variety of economic benefits have either been destroyed or polluted thus denying us the opportunity of using them. Movement of People between settlements in the wild has been restricted by the blasting and other activities of the company.

The limited access to farmlands, as well as the destruction of cocoa farms and water resources has created employment uncertainties in the area. The employment uncertainties are compounded by two major factors. Firstly, the failure and inability of the company to employ a large army of the youth who have been displaced. Secondly, the compensation that the company paid to cocoa farmers and property owners is too small to sustain us in employment. For example a matured cocoa tree was valued and paid at ¢25,000; palm tree (agriculture) ¢125,000; cassava ¢3000; plantain ¢8,000; and pineapple ¢3000. Worse still payment for the monies has been unduly delayed. To date there are still several farmers who have not as yet received their compensation entitlement. For those who have already received the meagre compensation, the company did not offer them any business and investment skills training to facilitate and contribute to the effective use of their money. This is a clear case where Chirano Gold Mines like many mining companies is quick to exercise its rights to extract the gold under the law and yet very reluctant to exercise its responsibility imposed by the same law.

We have made several reports through meetings with and letters to the company and government officials but all our efforts have proved futile. Meanwhile, on June 16th, 2006 when we went on a peaceful demonstration in protest against the corporate and State injustices the police and the soldiers responded swiftly by arresting nine (9) people including one chief and some of his elders. This repressive attitude and slow response on the part of government regulators to act on our concerns and complaints give us cause to believe that the company and indeed mining companies in this country are treated with kid-gloves when it comes to protecting public and community interest.

We therefore call on the government and Chirano Gold Mines to:
[*]Raise the compensation entitlement figures and ensure their timely payment
[*]Conduct series of business and investment skills training for all recipients of compensation to enable and facilitate their effective use of their monies.
[*]Provide alternative and adequate farmlands for those who have been displaced by the company.
[*]Cease forthwith any further pollution in particular water pollution and also provide sustainable alternative clean water sources for the communities
[*]Stop any further repression of members of the communities
[*]Effect and promote as a matter of urgency the company’s social responsibility in areas such as electricity, health, education, sanitation and public safety.

We reaffirm our unity to work together in solidarity with other communities, NGOs, Civil society organisations and the media to protect our rights and legitimate concerns.

Issued at a national meeting of communities affected by mining organised by Third World Network-Africa (TWN-Af), October 18th, 2006, Accra, Ghana

Endorsed by:
1. Nana Kwaku Kyem- Kyedomhene of Chirano
2. Nana Kwaku Arye II- Bukaasohene of Bukaaso
3. Nana Kwaku Nkrumah II- Sanaahene II of Chirano
4. Nana Elue Yaw -- Abakumahene of Chirano
5. Nana Yaw Gyam -- Obrayeko Etwiebo
6. Nana Ama Nsie Queenmother of Akaaso
7. Nana Owusu Banahene Okyeame of Etwiebo
8. Nana Adu-Gyamfi Asafo Akye of Surano
9. Okyeame Gyampra Chirano
10. Yaw Nkansa Akoti
11. Nana Kwame Kyinto Ag. Chief of Akoti
12. Yaw Baah Chirano
13. Yaw Aban Akaaso
14. Yaw Gyapong Akoti
15. Eric Amoaku Atta Etwiebo
16. Augustine Amoah Anhwianso
17. Nicholas Acquah Anhwianso-Wenchi