Farmers Demand compensation From Lands Commission .

The Concerned Farmers Association of Afrisipakrom, Terchire, Susuanso and Adrobaa, Ahafo Region has demanded that the Lands Commission reject Newmont's petition challenging compensation for their structures and proceed to pay the amounts already approved by its own Valuation Technical Committee without any further delay.
Addressing a press conference at Terchire in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region on Monday, November 2nd , the Chairman of the Association, John Mensah, said the Commission had, in a letter dated 13th April 2026, approved compensation amounts for crops, structures and lands acquired under E.I. 273, and the farmers had accepted those amounts in a letter dated 24th April 2026.
"After almost 2 years of the 2nd acquisition, in a letter dated 13th April 2026 the Lands Commission, through its Valuation Technical Committee approved compensation amounts for our crops, structures and lands acquired under E.I. 273. With our consent and approval, our lawyers and valuers accepted those amounts in a letter dated 24th April 2026 to the Lands Commission," he said.
He explained that instead of payment, the farmers faced another obstacle when Newmont submitted a petition dated 9th June 2026 claiming that some structures belonging to 21 members should not receive compensation.
"While we were waiting for our money, we received a letter dated 9th June 2026 from the Lands Commission. The letter informed our representatives that Newmont had submitted a petition claiming that some structures belonging to 21 of us should not receive compensation. The Commission asked for our comments to enable it to decide on the matter," he said.
The Chairman disclosed that the Association's lawyer and valuers responded to the Commission's request and rejected Newmont's claim as unfounded.
"Our lawyer and valuers responded and rejected Newmont's claim as unfounded," he said.
He stressed that the structures were jointly inspected, counted and recorded during the 2024 exercise, with Newmont's representatives signing the records alongside the affected farmers and representatives of the Lands Commission.
"We again draw attention to the joint records made during the 2024 exercise. Newmont's representatives signed those records alongside the affected farmers and representatives of the Lands Commission. The records confirm that the structures were identified and recorded. They form part of the evidence that must be considered fairly when deciding our claims," he stated.
Mr Mensah reiterated the Association's position that its structures are not speculative under either the mining laws or the Land Act.
"Our position is clear: our structures are not speculative under either the mining laws or the Land Act," he declared.
He called on the Lands Commission to resolve the outstanding issues without further delay and pay compensation for all structures under E.I. 273.
"We ask the Commission to resolve the outstanding issues without further delay and pay compensation for all our structures under E.I. 273," he demanded.
Mr Mensah also reminded the Commission of its legal duty under the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
"The Lands Commission through the Land Valuation Division has a legal duty in this process assessing compensation when the Government acquires land. We reiterate when Government acquires land. The Land Act also requires the Land Commission to assess and pay prompt, fair and adequate compensation," he stated.
He emphasised that Newmont, as the beneficiary of the acquisition, must not be allowed to take over the Lands Commission's responsibility.
"Newmont is the beneficiary of the acquisition. It is not the State. It must not take over the Lands Commission's responsibility to assess and pay compensation according to law," he stated.
The Chairman called on the Land Valuation Division to carry out its duties independently, without improper influence.
"We call on the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission to carry out their duties independently, without improper influence or compromises that undermine our rights," he said.