The Mfantseman chiefs have demanded that factories be built in exchange for the Ewoyaa lithium mine to give young people jobs.
They claimed that because mining had such a negative influence on the environment, there should be job possibilities in line with it to raise the level of living in the mining areas.
Building factories would guarantee that the people in the catchment region benefited socioeconomically from the mining for development, according to Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, Omanhen of the Mankessim Traditional region, who supported the idea.
Speaking at a meeting set up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), he discussed how Atlantic Lithium planned to involve the local people in the environmental process leading up to the acquisition of an operational permit.
To foster consensus, the catchment communities’ opinions, suggestions, and feedback on the project that Barari DV Ghana Limited was proposing were also sought out.
The chiefs would ensure that the impacted areas received the necessary developmental initiatives for growth, according to Osagyefo Edu, who pointed out that lithium offered numerous advantages to transforming the fortunes of the Traditional Area.
While acknowledging the detrimental effects of mining, he urged all parties involved to make sure that these were outweighed in favor of development and advancement.
As part of its corporate social duty, Osagyefo Edu advised the firm to prioritize infrastructure development and abstain from lying, as has been the case in other mining countries.
He gave an assurance, saying, “Chiefs here will ensure the gold mining woes do not affect Ewoyaa Lithium mining,” and vowed to support the project for the sake of present and future generations.
The Deputy Director of Operations at the EPA, Mr. Ransford Sekyi, stated that protecting the environment required the combined efforts of the government and all interested parties.
For their safety, he assigned the towns to act as watchdogs, making sure the mining corporation followed all environmental laws and guidelines.
According to him, “People need to take advantage of the opportunities that come with the project for national development.” Lithium is a natural resource that has the power to change the course of any nation.
Before granting permits for operations, Mr. Sekyi pledged that the government, acting through the EPA, would make sure that all environmental regulations were followed and implemented.
Following a briefing on the document’s contents for traditional leaders, government representatives, security personnel, the media, and community people, talks were held to iron out any rough spots.
Disagreements arose around compensation, resettlement, and the adverse effects of mining operations, all of which the business promised would be resolved.
