quot;We condemn the numerous deaths resulting from Newmont operations"

"We condemn the numerous deaths resulting from Newmont operations"

The following list is compiled by Richard Adjei-Poku, Operations Manager of Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable, a community group in Kenyasi working on mining and the environment.

Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) came to the Ghana Ahafo area in 2002. Since their entry into the area their operations have resulted in the death of 6 people and caused severe injuries to many others.

The following shows the number of death occurrences through the company's operations.

1. Kwabena-Poku, 20 years old boy, was killed by Newmont Tipper-Truck on Sunday December 25th, 2004 at Kenyasi N0.2 junction.

2. Kofi Agyekum, 29 years old, and Yaw Frimpong, 32 years old, drowned in Newmont water storage facility (WSF) on Sunday September 14th, 2005.

3. Newmont vehicle killed a class six school pupil, Lot Amoako, on November 30th, 2005 and injured four others at Atronie near Sunyani.

4. Newmont Hand-dug well killed Adofo Asa, alias Obonsuo, a 35 year old man, on Friday December 9th, 2005 at Kwaku Duakrom near Dokyikrom.

5. Newmont client, BCM Toyota Land Cruiser, with registration number GR. 580 Q, killed a 2 year old boy, Francis Sarfo, alias Jerry, on Wednesday January 25th, 2006 at Kenyasi number 2.

Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable (GEV) and its members are concerned about the increasing death toll resulting from the activities of the company (Newmont) and we condemn it. We also call on the company and the government to rise up to their responsibility. This is because no amount of gold that Newmont will get can pay for the value of these people who have lost their lives.

Issued and signed by

Richard Adjei-Poku

Operations Manager, GEV, February 2006