The youth of Wassa-Damang in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region have said they will respect the government decision to hand over the Damang Mine to Engineers & Planners (E&P).
According to the youth of Wassa-Damang, community development remains our topmost priority.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Ebenezer Takyi, Youth Member of Parliament for the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, disclosed, “Should the Government of Ghana decide, in its wisdom, to hand over the Damang Mine to E&P or any other competent entity, the youth of Damang will respect that decision”.
“For us, community development remains our topmost priority, and we expect the continuation and strengthening of initiatives that have supported our communities over the years. We are organised, responsible, and capable of speaking for ourselves, when necessary,” he said.
The youth of Wassa-Damang further dismissed claims that Gold Fields’ Damang Mine has done little to support their communities.
According to them, the purported claims being put out there by some alleged youths of Wassa-Damang during an engagement at Parliament are false and unauthorised.
Mr Ebenezer Takyi detailed, “They do not speak for us, nor are they mandated by the youth or the broader community to represent our views on matters concerning the Damang Mine or the development of our area”.
According to Mr Ebenezer Takyi, over the past 25 years, the Damang Mine, operated by Gold Fields, contributed significantly to the development of the Wassa-Damang communities, pointing to the construction and rehabilitation of the 33-kilometre Damang–Tarkwa road.
Also, the extension of electricity to communities such as Nyamebekyere, Kyekyewere, and Subri.
The youths further added that the Damang Mine, operated by Gold Fields, provided the provision of 17 pump-fitted boreholes and 13 small-town water systems and the apprenticeship training programmes.
“While we acknowledge that there is always room for improvement in community development, it is inaccurate and unfair to suggest that nothing meaningful has been done for the host communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, the information gathered suggests Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers and Planners’ acquisition of the Damang Mine was approved in March 2024.
According to reports, approval for the acquisition of Damang Mine by Engineers and Planners was granted by former Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, in March 2024.
Rafik Mahama, special aide to Ibrahim Mahama, Engineers & Planners (E&P), has also disclosed that the company, which has served as the sole mining contractor at the Damang Mine since 2017, expressed interest in acquiring the mine after Gold Fields decided to exit in 2023.
He disclosed that Engineers & Planners (E&P) subsequently secured a No Objection in March 2024, approved by Samuel Abu Jinapor.
A letter shared on social media from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources dated March 12, 2024, reads, “Your letter dated 8th March, 2024, on the above-subject matter refers.
Subsequent to your letter, the Hon. Ministe requested for the advice and commendation of the Minerals Commission, pursuant to section 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which was recelved on 12% March, 2024 The Commission indicates that your company has gained considerable experience in mining, and is currently engaged in contract mining for Abosso Goldificlds Limited’s Damang Gold Mine.
Based on the representations in your letter and on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, the Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has no objection to Engineers and Planners Co. Ltd. entering into negotiations with Abosso Goldfields Limited for the purposes of acquiring the Damang Gold Mine.
This no objection, however, does not affect the right of the Government of Ghana to approve or reject any transaction and/or agreement concluded between the parties. Accordingly, any agreement concluded between you on one hand, and Abosso Goldfields Limited, on the other hand, shall be subject to the express approval or otherwise of the Government of Ghana. For the avoidance of doubt, any such agreement shall not be valid, and no rights shall pass under such an agreement without the consent of the Government of Ghana. This no objection is granted subject to the above reservations”.