Dear David,
In May 2001 St Jude released a press-statement claiming, that all action against Hwini-Butre from BDGoldfields had now been finished and that the only case pending was the one Hwini-Butre initiated against the Ghana Government in order to ensure that no further vexatious claims from BDGoldfields could hamper the development of their project. (see gsp?msgid= 1586872)
What they didn't say was the fact, that although Hwini-Butre started this case against the Ghana Government in the person of the Minister of Mines and Energy, defended by the Attorney General,they never persued it. Due to some hanky panky, they were able to stay on the land, although their permit was cancelled for one year, given to BDGoldfields and than renewed again.
After numerous efforts by BDGoldfields to sit down and talk in order to find an amicable solution, Hwini-Butre's lawyer and consequently the St Jude People categorically refused. BDGoldfields saw no other solution than to join this case as 4th co-defendant and were finally admitted to the fast track High Court in Accra in November last year.
As Hwini-Butre's lawyer an co-director Sam Okudzeto is a very busy man, it was very hard to fix dates to start this courtcase but in February this year he no longer could evade or avoid the commencement of this very important case.
The case is now almost finished and will continue on the 29th of this Month after which we, BDGoldfields, expect a ruling in May or shortly after.
Now St Jude wants to discuss this matter but we're no longer interested. The only partner we want to sit down with is Crew, who through their company Mindex in Norway ownes Hwini-Butre.
There you are.
Cordialement.
Gerry Luttik |
