NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, has urged the youth and traditional leaders in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality to strictly adhere to national regulations governing small-scale mining.
This follows concerns raised by the Member of Parliament and traditional authorities about recent wave of attacks on miners in the Aboso area. A violent incident stemming from these tensions resulted in the tragic death of one person.
The second day of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman’s “Thank You Tour” of the Western Region, took him to the Prestea Huni Valley, Tarkwa Nsuaem, and Ahanta West municipalities.
At Prestea Huni Valley, the Member of Parliament and Municipal Chief Executive, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe and Mathew Ayee urgently appealed for government’s attention on the deteriorated 20-kilometer road from Bogoso Junction to Prestea.
They also raised concerns about the alleged seizure of underground resources belonging to the community by certain high-ranking party members and security service personnel.
Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni valley said, “In October 2024, the NPP administration awarded a Chinese firm the rights to operate an abandoned shaft as a large-scale mine—a site that was originally intended for community mining and had been seized from us in 2016.
According to accounts, those who arrived to take control alleged that they were acting under instructions from senior party officials.
Mathew Ayee Municipal Chief Executive for Prestea Huni valley also spoke about the need to reconstruct the 20kilometers Bogoso junction to Prestea.
“The Bogoso-Prestea road project was initiated under the NDC government. However, the subsequent NPP administration not only abandoned the project but also opted to conduct an investigation, leaving the road to deteriorate further. Today, the residents of Prestea are waiting, with the NDC as their final hope, for the decisive action needed to complete this vital link.” He stated.
Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, in his response, urged the youth and traditional leaders to strictly comply with national mining laws and regulations.
He underscored the sector’s unique importance, arguing that properly managed small-scale mining offers a more sustainable source of employment and livelihood for the people than large-scale corporate mining.
“Small-scale mining is a crucial sector that must be safeguarded. It’s true potential is only realized when it is practiced responsibly. We must commit to mining methods that secure its necessary benefits while protecting both our environment and communities.
Adherence to effective mining measures is, therefore, a non-negotiable priority for the collective good.” He said.
On his part, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson emphasized that electoral success is defined not just by victory, but by sustainability and urged the party’s supporters to concentrate their efforts on consolidating and retaining the seats won in the 2024 polls.
“Let me add this: winning a seat is just as important as retaining it. We have successfully accomplished the first part by securing the victory. Now, the responsibility to retain that seat rests firmly with us, and it is our duty to do so.”
By Ebenezer Atiemo
