Some angry youth, believed to be Members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, on Monday, June 8, attempted to block the Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and his entourage from launching the government’s Cooperative Mining Scheme.
The youth, dressed in black clothing with red armbands, sought to prevent the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and his entourage from commencing the launch of the initiative, which is expected to promote responsible mining practices, create jobs, and equip young people in mining communities with vocational skills.
The protesters accused party leaders and local stakeholders of being sidelined in the planning of the event, describing the organisation of the programme as poor and alleging that it could embarrass both the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama.
The situation was brought under control following the intervention of police personnel and senior party officials, who engaged the aggrieved youth and prevented the disruption from escalating.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the NDC Constituency Organiser for Abirem, Ashun Wulf Lionel, questioned the level of consultation undertaken ahead of the programme.
“Two days before the programme, I was informed that it would take place in Abirem. As a constituency organiser, I contacted the Regional Minister, who said he was not aware. I also called the DCE, and he likewise said he was not aware,”
“If a programme of this nature is going ahead, then the constituency chairman should at least be aware. However, our constituency chairman also said he had no knowledge of it. The DCE was not aware, and the Regional Minister was not aware. So how is this programme taking place?” he said.
The Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme is being implemented under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as part of efforts to formalise small-scale mining and create sustainable employment opportunities in mining communities.
