The Chiefs of Nyinanhini has disclosed that the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is aware of Exton Cubic Group bauxite exploration in the area.
According to the chiefs, the Asante King was briefed about the company’s operation which was ‘licensed’ by the Minerals Commission in 2013.
Equipment belonging to Engineers and Planners (E&P), which was subcontracted by Exton Cubic Group to prospect bauxite at its concession in Nyinanhini were seized by the Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah.
But addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the Chief of Nkawie Panin, Nana Kusi Amankwah Marfo II disclosed that the company has not been working in a vacuum and that the Asantehene receives briefings on its activities.
The traditional ruler debunked claims that the whole Nyinanhini concession has been given to the company expressing surprise about the equipment seizure.
He said the seizure will adversely affect the community which was yearning to witness the operations of the company which was going to provide jobs.
‘The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu is aware of Exton Cubic Group operations, he even gave his blessings and promised to be at the sod cutting of the bauxite prospecting which was intended to provide jobs for indigenes… We try as much as possible to brief the Asantehene on the company’s operations.
“Exton Cubic didn’t appear from the blue. Its not true that they entered the reserve without permission. Their operations are not illegal, we the chiefs are aware of their operations. Their operations were duly licensed. Government only gave them 58% of the bauxite concession. There is 42% left for the taking,’ he said.
Nana Kusi Amankwah Marfo II added that the relevant documents have been secured by the company and that they will not endorse illegality.
According to the chiefs, Ibrahim Mahama, owner of E&P who is a brother of the former President John Dramani Mahama is a son of the land and should be allowed to continue mining.
