Betterland denies illegal mining in Draw River Forest Reserve

Betterland Ghana Limited has strongly refuted allegations of illegal mining within the Draw River Forest Reserve in Ghana's Western Region. The company insists its activities constitute lawful expanded exploration work, conducted under a valid mining licence issued by the Minerals Commission.

In a statement, Betterland emphasized that its operations are subject to daily supervision by officials from the Forestry Commission. The company maintains that its work strictly adheres to Ghana's environmental, forestry, and mining laws. Betterland dismissed reports alleging illegal mining as false, misleading, and defamatory.

The company further stated that some audiovisual evidence presented to support the claims originated from other locations, including the Atiwa Forest, and was falsely presented as depicting destruction in Gwira Banso. Betterland argues this misrepresentation unfairly portrays the company as engaging in illegal mining, potentially harming its reputation, investor confidence, and community relations.

Betterland clarified that its activities are solely expanded exploration and preparatory works, which are lawful and regulated, and should not be conflated with illegal mining, commonly known as 'galamsey.' The company also denied operating near river bodies or cocoa farms, asserting its work is within regulatory confines. It added that the access route used was established by timber companies prior to Betterland's exploration.