The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) investigation report on the impact of gold mining activities of Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s (GFGL) Tarkwa Mine has proved that the commercial mining activities of the company were not responsible for defects in buildings at Brahabebome as alleged by some residents.
The UMaT’s investigation and research report exonerated the gold mining company of any wrongdoing in relation to its ongoing gold mining activities at its Mantrim pits at Brahabebome in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region which refers to an old, disused mine shaft.
During the research and investigation, the report stated that the UMaT study team evaluated various blasting and atmospheric impacts resulting from current mining operations undertaken at the closest pit—Pepe Cut 5 pit by the company.
Additionally, the report asserted that the team evaluated the inferred impacts from historical mining activities at nearby pits—specifically the Pepe Cut 8 and Teberebie pits, which were closer to the Brahabebome community.
According to the report, this comprehensive approach by the UMaT study team sought to understand both present and past impacts in the community, ensuring a thorough evaluation of potential environmental and health effects.
“Pepe Cut 5 pit was the active operating pit in proximity to the Brahabebome community during the study period and therefore was adopted by the study team as the reference pit,” part of the report reads.
The report indicated that based on historical perspective and science, the following mining impacts were considered for the study: ground vibrations and frequencies, air blasts or air overpressures, noise, cracks, physio-chemical and biological water pollution.
It said the UMaT study team, after research and investigation, has recommended that building inspections and standards should be enforced within the communities to ensure that all building structures being constructed conform to the building code of the Republic of Ghana.
According to the report, the team recommended that refuse dumps adjacent to the Bediabewu stream should be relocated away from the stream.
The report noted that the team recommended that the identified domestic waste leakage entering the Bediabewu stream should be investigated and resolved.
Aside from the UMaT study team exonerating Goldfields of wrongdoing in the mining operations of the company in the area, the custodians of Brahabebome land in the Apinto Divisional Area under the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council cleared the company of engaging in irresponsible mining activities in its Mantrim Pits.
They have vehemently refuted viral media reports that residents living in Brahabebome are suffering amid devastating effects of ongoing irresponsible mining activities engaged in by the multinational gold company, Goldfields Ghana Limited.
In the media reports, the Brahabebome New Town Landlords Association accused the company of engaging in harmful mining activities at Brahabebome and its surrounding communities, which has resulted in loss of livelihood, displacement of dozens of landlords, pollution of many rivers, and destruction of building properties.
In that report, the group of landlords appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to immediately order the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to issue a stern warning to the company to comply with regulatory guidelines and Brahabebome community demands or face resistance.
The association noted that the reported claim by the company of meeting its 2023 environmental targets is not true, stating that the company is seriously engaging in ongoing irresponsible mining activities at Brahabebome which have caused serious environmental incidents.
According to the Association, any attempt by the company to mine in the Mantrim Pits will incur the displeasure of the community, who are more than prepared to stop the company.
The group Chairman of the Association, Mr. Emmanuel Brew Armoo, lamented that: “We are deeply concerned about the mining operations of Goldfields Ghana Limited, which have caused significant disturbances to our community and demonstrate a blatant disregard for regulatory guidelines.”
“Despite previous directives and agreements, Goldfields has continued to disregard our fundamental human rights and safety,” he added.
Against this background, he averred that the association was demanding that Goldfields comply with the 2018 Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) report and its key recommendations, amongst which are resettle all persons within 500m of the mining area, and repair damaged houses and compensate affected community members.
“We wrote to CHRAJ on 13th February, 2018, and they advised Goldfields to execute partial resettlement for persons whose structures fall within 500m of the mining area,” Mr. Armoo explained.
“However, Goldfields obtained approval to work 400m from our community in October 2018 but later left after community intervention. Unfortunately, they have now returned to mine
Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
