Fish farmer demands compensation from Newmont Gold

Mr Daniel Kwame Acquah, a fish farmer at New Abirem in the Birim North District, has accused Newmont Golden Ridge Limited (NGRL), Akyem Project, for refusing to pay compensation due him, following the destruction of his four fish ponds by the company.

The farmer told GNA at New Abirem that in 2009, he constructed the fish ponds at Yaw Tanor, a farming community near Adausena in the district, and stocked them with tilapia and other species of fish.

He said two separate letters written in 2010 and signed by Mr Samuel Kobina Saim, Management and Support System Coordinator of Newmont, were sent to him through Mr Kwame Agyeri, his landlord.

Mr Acquah said the company informed him in the letters that his fish ponds were within the mining zone of the company.

He said when Newmont invited him for a settlement, the company offered him GHC 98.00 per fish pond, which he refused.

Mr Acquah said on other occasions, the company offered him GHC 142 per pond and GH¢ 500, which he refused to accept because the amount was woefully inadequate.

According to Mr Acquah, currently his fish ponds and its surroundings had been turned into a dam by Newmont for mining activities.

He also alleged that the action of the company had resulted in the destruction of his pen, resulting in the stealing of his sheep and goats.

When GNA contacted, Mr. Oduro- Kwarteng Marfo, External Relations Manager of Newmont, he said that Mr Acquah’s grievances had been exaggerated.

Mr Oduro-Kwarteng said Mr Acquah was not cooperating with the company to have the problem solved as he had refused to respond to Newmont’s call for negotiations.

He appealed to Mr Acquah and any other person who has similar challenges, to approach the company for a dialogue, to resolve any grievances.

Source: GNA