Akufo-Addo’s Mining Comments Inciteful – Minority

The Minority in Parliament has accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of endangering the lives of managers and workers of mining firms in the country.

According to the Minority, the President’s comments that mining firms have neglected communities they operate in is inciteful.

The accusations come after the President questioned why the major mining communities in Ghana do not in any way reflect the several millions of dollars that mining companies have made as a result of their mining operations there at the 12th West African Mining and Power Conference in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines under the theme: “A Responsible and Sustainable Mining Industry; A Partner for National Development.”

“Why is Obuasi not the most beautiful city in Ghana or the world if it hosts the richest Gold mine? Why does Tarkwa and Prestea not look like the Golden towns they are? Why does Akwatia’s appearance not reflect anything about the diamonds that have been taken from the soil all these years,” wondered President Akufo-Addo.

But speaking to the media Friday, the Minority spokesperson on Energy Adams Mutawakilu accused the President of shirking responsibility, which ends up exposing the mining companies to xenophobic attacks.

“He is shifting responsibilities to the mining companies because these mining companies in their agreements normally have trust funds and every year whatever they are supposed to contribute they do it,” he stated.

“So, I believe that the President is just shifting responsibilities that he should take   to the mining companies and that also goes to expose the mining companies because if the youth now think that it is the mining companies that should provide roads, toilets and all the development needs of the town, the likelihood that they will rise up against these mining companies is high,” he stressed.

Source: Starrfmonline