Six divisional chiefs refute corruption allegations

The Divisional Chief of Prestea Himan, Nana Nteboa Pra IV has refuted allegations by some section of the youth that six divisional chiefs in the Prestea/Huni Valley District are corrupt.

He said the youth alleged that the divisional chiefs of Bogoso, Boppoe, Adamanso, Mbease Nsuta, Himan and Esyiso had taken bribes from Golden Star Bogoso Prestea Limited (GSBPL), a mining company located in their respective communities, to enable the company to go ahead with a proposed mining project at Mbease Nsuta.

Nana Nteboa Pra said at as press briefing that the mine concession at Mbease Nsuta already belongs to GSBPL and that the company had for several years tried to get all the necessary approvals to start mining and expressed regret at the barrage of criticism that was hurled at them by the youth and described it as unfortunate.

He said as traditional representatives of the people they stood for the youth, development, peace and cordial respect between the community and all investors who seek the sustainable development of their people.

Nana Nteboa Pra said the conduct of some youth who covertly opposed the work of Environmental Protection Agency at a recent public forum on the proposed mining project was unacceptable.

He appealed to all groups and individuals within the catchment areas to channel their grievances through the Prof Meriku Gyimah Mediation Committee which has been agreed upon by all stakeholders to ensure peaceful co-existence and development of the community.

The Divisional Chief of Mbease Nsuta, Nana Adu Panyin II, said the proposed mining project would come out with some initiatives to improve the standard of living of the people in its catchment communities.

He urged the firm to initiate programmes that would benefit the community and added that the growth of the district was of interest to the traditional rulers and there called on the youth to stop allegations and counter allegations.

Source: GNA