By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Sege, April 29, GNA – Mr. Samuel K. Afoakwa, a Human Resource and Community Relation Officer at the Minerals Commission, says operational issues in the Songor Lagoon can be solved through tolerance and patience among stakeholders.
Mr. Afoakwa revealed that the impasse between some residents along the lagoon and Electrochem Ghana Limited (EGL), a private company in charge of commercial salt production, was a worry for the Minerals Commission.
Speaking at a recently held Songor Harmony Forum at Sege, he noted that the concerns raised by some stakeholders against the private company’s operations could be resolved but must be dealt with cautiously.
According to him, members of the Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA) accused the commission of ignoring their petitions when the gazette was posted announcing the Songor Lagoon being leased to EGL.
“They felt ignored and not listened to, and I understand them,” he said, adding that when the 21 days of a notification of gazette were over, parties could have used the commission’s Community Relations Department to address their concerns, as it serves as a liaison between the company and the community.
He appealed to the opposition groups to work with other stakeholders, as the commission would do its best to ensure peace and stability for the benefit of both the company and community members.
“There is hope when both parties agree to resolve the issue amicably,” he stated.
GNA
LS/KOA