Kenyasi Residents Demonstrate Against Newmont’s ‘Sapetee’ Roads

Assembly Members, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the youth of Kenyasi in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region on Tuesday, January 20, staged a demonstration against Newmont Ghana Gold Limited over its decision to construct a double-sealed road, popularly known as “Sapetee,” instead of an asphalt road.

The protest, dubbed “No Asphalt, No Road,” was organized to register the community’s displeasure with the road construction method being proposed by the mining company.

According to the demonstrators, several double-sealed roads constructed in communities such as Gyedu, Ntotroso, and Womahinso have deteriorated in less than a year.

They stressed that residents of Kenyasi will not accept similar works, noting that the poor nature of roads in the district has contributed to accidents and loss of lives.

Speaking to the media, the Assembly Member for the Asukese Electoral Area, Hon. Anane John, said authorities have appealed to the demonstrators to grant them one week to engage Newmont for further consultations.

He, however, issued a strong warning to the mining company, stating that if no satisfactory response is received after the one-week period, residents will picket at Newmont’s site and remain there until their concerns are addressed.

Chairman of the Omanbotantim Association, Oman Kofi Adusei, also criticized Newmont, saying the company has not brought meaningful development to the district when compared to what it has done in other countries.

Meanwhile, the Ahafo Regional Police Commander, DCOP James Annor, speaking on behalf of the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. Charity Gardiner, commended the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the authorities will respond appropriately to their concerns.

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