Akyem Kotoku Paramount Stool Takes On Newmont Ghana Gold
Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu Greater 
The Paramount Chief of Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area in the Eastern Region, His Royal Majesty Oseadeeyo Dr. Frempong Manso IV, has expressed disappointment in the way and manner Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) Akyem mine project has acted towards the Akyem Kotoku Paramount Stool which occupant is the allodial title holder of the land of where the company has been operating its gold mining activities.
According to the chief, the multinational gold mining company conveniently expresses the fact that the Akyem Kotoku Paramount Chief's gazette has not been signed by government, when they know well that it is not government gazette which makes a chief.
Behind this lie, according to him, the company has undermined the Akyem Kotoku Paramountcy by refusing to pay for deprivation of land use for all the years it has operated the mine.
He noted that the company has refused to invite and include the Paramount Chief in any decision relating to their operations on the Akem Kotoku Land, including that which formed the Trust Fund which is supposed to benefit all in the Traditional Area.
He pointed out that Paramount Chief was not invited to be represented during the formation of any its Boards.
He complained that the the Newmont Akyem Foundation and its Board of Directors have consistently refused the Paramountcy any access to fund anytime such request was placed.
Meanwhile the same Foundation, the chief noted has provided funding for large projects including construction of new Palaces for Sub-Chiefs who serve under the leadership of the Paramount Chief.
He disclosed that this was exemplified when a request was put in after the Akyem Kotoku Palace collapsed after a Tropical Storm. In that petition all the requisite documents were provided.
For all the years Newmont has operated in Akyem, the chief pointed out that the company has never provided any Social Responsibility Services to the Paramount Stool despite the fact that these are done for some Communities within the Traditional Area.
According to the Omanhene, he sees no reason why the mining company should frustrate their effort to access their own fund to embark on development for the people, adding that, it has become necessary to start a campaign to let the world and the public at large to know how unfair and dubious the Company has behaved since the onset of their operations in the Traditional Area.
The Akyem Kotokumanhene who was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Akwasidae in Akyem Oda in the Eastern region, stated that, the mining company has received all the support from the government and the chiefs and people of Kotoku traditional area to carry out their operations without any difficulties and yet are making it difficult for Kotoku Paramountcy to access what is rightfully theirs in order to develop their area.
He said it is rather unfortunate that, some Ghanaians are helping these companies to act against the people of the area where they continue to reap significant returns for their Company and Shareholders.
The Kotokumanhene further stated that, once access is provided the construction of the new Palace and the Oda Stadium can be accelerated, and the burnt Oda Market can be restored.
The Omanhene further appealed to the government and other corporate bodies to support these projects and any form of contribution no matter how small, will be appropriated by the people of the State
The Abontendomhene of the Akyem Kotoku traditional area, Osabarima Ankomah Bempong I also used the opportunity to advise the youth to desist from engaging in violent activities since it has negative impact on development.
