Tensions are rising in Breman-Brofoyedu, a mining town in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, as farmers clash with Perseus Ghana Mining Company Limited (PMGL) over compensation for destroyed cocoa trees. The destruction, which occurred in August, left three members of the Concerned Farmers Association-Breman (CFAB) grappling with significant losses.
Emmanuel Boampong, the Chief Farmer, lost more than 10 cocoa trees, Akwasi Mensah lost around 50, and Nana Akua saw the destruction of over four cocoa trees. The affected farmers have since held three meetings with Perseus in an attempt to discuss compensation, but the talks have yielded no concrete results.
Chief Farmer Boampong, speaking to journalists, expressed frustration with Perseus’ compensation offer of GHC120 per tree, which the farmers described as “insulting.” In response, the farmers proposed that Perseus multiply the GHC120 by the number of destroyed trees and then by 20 years, reflecting the long-term loss of income from the trees. However, Perseus has yet to respond to this counter-proposal.
“We outrightly rejected their proposal because it was insulting. We suggested they multiply the GHC120 per tree by the number of trees destroyed and by 20 years on each farm, but they haven’t reported back to us,” Boampong stated.
He further lamented the financial burden the destruction has placed on the farmers, highlighting the significant losses incurred. “The destruction of our cocoa trees has resulted in severe financial losses for us,” Boampong stressed.
Boampong urged Perseus to provide fair and adequate compensation, warning that continued delays or inadequate offers could lead to serious actions from the farmers and their association. “Failure on the part of the company to address our matter will compel us to take serious actions against them,” he cautioned.
He also emphasized that CFAB members are committed to farming and do not wish to lease their lands to Perseus or any other mining company for gold extraction. The standoff continues as farmers await a favorable resolution from the mining company.
Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh with files frome Soireenews