The chiefs and people of Osino have refuted allegations that it has released lands to Kibi Goldfields and Solar Mining Company Limited to engage in illegal mining.
According to them, the companies are operating under the laws of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and were ensuring that the environment was being protected.
This was in reaction to earlier allegations leveled against the chief and elders of the town by the Mr. Diatuo Kyenkyenku Boateng, Assembly Member for Saaman, alleging that the chiefs of Osino had condoned with illegal miners whose activities were destroying water bodies in the area.
Mr. Kwabena Anim Addo, spokesperson for the chief of Osino, who was apprehensive of the allegations, has thus asked Mr. Diatuo to retract his statement, or face the wrath of the people of Osino.
Kibi Goldfields and Solar Mining companies, as part of goodwill towards the people in the area, have presented GH¢20,000 to the chiefs and people of Osino towards the construction of the chief’s palace.
The companies had earlier donated 400 bags of cement, and over 40 trips of sand and stones for the project.
The Public Affairs Manager of Solar Mining Company, Mr. Richard Opoku Fordjour, said the company was prepared to assist the eight communities in its operating area with projects.
He called for cooperation and support from the people towards the success of the project.
Mr. Fordjour reiterated that the mining company had legally acquired all the mining documents to operate as a registered mining company, and had employed a large number of the youth in the area.
Mr. Fordjour said the company had put in measures to recycle all water used in their operations, and also construct boreholes in some of the communities to provide potable water to the people.
Some of the residents in the area have also expressed optimism about the job prospects if the companies begin actual work.
