Golden Dilemma

The Ghanaian Government is deciding now whether to grant licenses to mining companies and receive $2bn in return or preserve the environment.

Five of the mining companies are interested in gold, which is located inside forest reserves.

The sixth company, Bhp Billiton, is interested in exploration of bauxite. Billiton is ready to invest about $1bn.

Today the Ghanaian Government should make a choice between money and nature. Last week, three ministers in charge of mines, forestry, and environment toured some of the reserves and met the local communities to help government to take a decision.