BY: Kekeli Blamey I Voltaonlinegh.com |
Some six (6) Assemblymen in the Ketu South Municipality have raised concerns about disbursement of funds by a salt mining company, Seven Seas Salt Limited, operating in the municipality.
The Fund, according their statements, is in connection to payment of compensations to communities affected by the operation of the salt mining company.
The Assemblymen raising the concern included Hon. Kumawu Sylvester, Assembly member for Amutinu, Hon Clemence Agbotey- Blekusu, Hon Daniel Azumah-Kpedzakope, Hon Jonas Alevia Agbagba-Nogokpo/Atiwuta, Hon Johnson Agbeko Souzey-Adina, and Hon. Eben Assay-Assembly member for Agavedzi electoral area.
According to them, the salt mining company, Seven Seas Salt Limited, is entreated to disburse some funds for various communities which falls within their operational jurisdiction.
They said, upon several meetings, deliberations and discussions, some decisions and information were made available to the affected communities whereby the Seven Seas Company will engage a Consultant to work on the compensation packages, however this consultant was to be paid by the company.
The Assemblymen also noted that Bank Accounts were to be opened by the communities, with a community Chief’s Representative, Assembly member and a Women representative as signatories.
They also indicated from previous meetings that, 10% of the total amount be paid to the chiefs as stool owners and GHc1,500.00 to be paid to each Assembly Member in the affected communities.
These, according to them, were captured in the minutes of the Executive Committee of the Ketu South Assembly but things turned to go other way round.
The Assemblymen said they were surprised to learn that bank accounts were opened at their blind side with Torgbui Atiane as a signatory to all accounts.
They also raised concerns about cheques issued to chiefs for the monies to be credited into the said secret accounts, adding that there is also a decision underground to deduct a whopping Fifty Seven Thousand Eighty Eight Cedis and Eight Pesewas (GHc57,088.80) as consultancy and surveying fees.
“All these are bizarre development contrary to the unanimous decisions made earlier with the Executive Committee of the Ketu South Municipal Assembly”they noted.
They therefore demanded from all stakeholders’ answers to their concerns, adding that these answers will help correct a lot of misconceptions and misinformation regarding the payment of compensations to the affected communities.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
