The Catholic Bishop of Jasikan, Most Rev Gabriel Ababio Mante, has called on the traditional leaders in Oti and Volta regions to resist any attempt by the government to mine iron ore in their areas.
He said mining in and around mountainous areas could be a potential cause of disasters.
“For instance, if mining would be done on the Akpafu Todzi, Teteman, and other nearby mountainous areas, the constant disturbance of the mountains and vibrations caused by heavy equipment could lead to landslides,” the religious leader said.
“The result will be that a whole village such as Teteman or Akpafu Todzi, could slide off causing death, harm to lives and properties. Communities living in the nearby valleys could also be buried by the same landslides. In the case of Bowiri communities, their ancestral home will be destroyed,” he said.
Speaking with Asaase News, Most Rev Mante said the region has been abandoned for far too long when it comes to development.
He said there is no guarantee that mining in the Oti Region will contribute to the economy of the local people.
“It is for these reasons that, it will be appropriate the chiefs and traditional leaders stand on their ground to resist any attempt,” he said.
“We call upon the traditional leaders, both in the Oti and Volta regions to take a determined and uncompromising stance against the mining of the mineral resources which have now been discovered and those yet to be discovered.”
Meanwhile, the government through the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation has engaged investors to start work at the site.
Solomon Mensah-Ahiable
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