In Bangroma town, located in Grand Cape Mount County, tensions are mounting within the Community Land Management and Development Committee following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bea Mining Company (BMC).
The MOU, which involves the relocation of the community due to the discovery of a significant gold deposit, has stirred controversy among the committee’s leadership. Ratified by the Bangroma Community Chairman after extensive negotiations with Bea Mining Company, the MOU outlines plans for community relocation, construction of housing units, and the settlement of a $60,000 debt owed to the community.
However, dissenting voices within the community argue against the deal. Sheik Abdulai Massarey, Co-Chairman of the Community Land Management and Development Committee, publicly opposes the MOU, alleging coercion by District #3 Representative Gbessay Feika.
Massarey contends that the agreement was hastily signed without concluding discussions, claiming that the community elders were misled due to their illiteracy, resulting in acceptance of terms that do not adequately benefit the community.
“We did not conclude discussions with the company before signing the MOU,” Massarey asserted, accusing Representative Feika of exploiting the elders’ illiteracy to push through the agreement without ensuring full community benefits.
In response, Representative Feika denied the coercion allegations, emphasizing her role as a witness during negotiations aimed at securing mutual benefits for both parties. She explained that delays caused by prolonged discussions had impacted her prior commitments to travel overseas.
“I acted as a witness to ensure that both the company and the residents of Bangroma benefited from the agreement,” she clarified, underscoring her efforts to accommodate the elders’ requests despite scheduling challenges.
Backing Representative Feika’s position, purported Bangroma Community Secretary Mr. Seidu Swaray defended the MOU, citing widespread support among residents for its approval. He dismissed accusations against Feika as unfounded and highlighted the communal advantages stipulated in the agreement, including housing, educational facilities, medical clinics, and employment opportunities.
“These claims do not accurately represent the situation,” Swaray countered, presenting a recorded community meeting where residents mandated their endorsement of the MOU to Representative Feika. He detailed the comprehensive benefits included in the agreement, stressing its potential positive impact on the community.
The internal discord within the committee contrasts sharply with the undisclosed value of the gold deposit in Bangroma. Sources indicate that the Environmental Protection Agency is awaiting the signing of the MOU to conduct an environmental assessment before permitting mining operations to commence.
