Residents of the Tutuka enclave in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo region have temporarily halted their three-day protest against Newmont at Kenyasi. This suspension follows the intervention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources concerning unpaid resettlement funds.
The residents had been protesting for three days, demanding GHS 21 million in resettlement payments from the gold mining company.
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The protest was paused after the Ministry, along with local chiefs, the Ahafo Regional Minister, and the Asutifi North District Chief Executive, stepped in to mediate.
Nana Anim Dankwah, the Saamanhene of Kenyasi No. 1, spoke to the protesters on behalf of the Ministry and local authorities.
He announced that after a private meeting with the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Newmont’s management in Accra, the Ministry has committed to engaging with the company’s executives in Denver, USA, within a week to ensure the payment is made to the affected residents.
Nana Anim Dankwah assured the community that the chiefs would apply all necessary pressure on Newmont to secure the payment and urged the residents to stay calm and await a positive outcome from the Ministry’s efforts.
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In an interview with Adom News, Nana Kwabena Amoateng, one of the leaders of the affected residents, confirmed the suspension of the protest but warned that if Newmont does not provide a satisfactory response within the agreed timeframe, the residents will resume their picketing.
He also revealed that the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council has promised to reimburse the expenses incurred during the protest.
