News
We want fair share of our gold – Chief demands
The Divisional Chief of Bosomtwi Traditional Area, Nana Kwabena Amponsah 1V,has lamented the state of roads in mining enclaves in the Western Region including his jurisdiction,saying” it’s a sad commentary on our development.”
He continued :”We want our share of the gold. We are in a gold enclave where gold has been mined for centuries but we don’t even see it.Huni Valley -Tarkwa road used to have manholes and it was terrible travelling on it .The state of roads in Western Region are just worrying.
“It’s sad.There is no interchange in Western Region. Not even at Takoradi.Gold mining in other countries like South Africa has become a reference point. But,when you come to this country, from Tarkwa,Aboso to Huni Valley, it’s a pathetic.Even to ask for our share, where do you go to ask questions?.”
Nana Amponsah made the lamentations when the Mining Sector Roads Rehabilitation Secretariat met him at the Bosomtwe Divisional Area palace to discuss their mandates and the rehabilitation of Huni Valley roads as part of the agenda to transform mining enclaves in Ghana.
He said, before the rehabilitation of the 33 km Tarkwa -Damang road- trekking to Tarkwa or Takorafi was a drudgery.
Today, he said, the journey to Tarkwa, which used to cover two hours, has been cut to about 30 minutes.
The Bosomtwe Chief told the delegation that due to poor road access in Huni Valley corridors, travelling to Accra through Praso, a short distance, was a difficulty, and so, commuters detoured through Tarkwa, Takoradi and Cape Coast.
Nana Amponsah pledged to support the secretariat in performing its mandate to transform roads in Bosomtewe (Huni Valley).
“We ” will help you to meet your mandate.If the communities become beautiful, we shall all share the glory.” he added.
He, however,suggested that the coverage of the Huni Valley project should be extended from 4km to 7.5 km,arguing that the mining community was growing each day.
The Gyaasehene of Bosomtwe, Nana Kwesi Assaah, also complained about shoddy works by some contractors over the years and appealed to the secretariat to ensure the execution of good quality road project in the area.
“We need roads with a longer lifes pan. Do your work with integrity, transparency,truth and the fear of God. Sacrifice and posterity will judge you. Let the truth prevail all the time.” he told the delegation.
The Coordinator at the Mining Roads Sector Rehabilitation Secretariat,Mr Frank Felix E. Awah, explained that the team would coordinate,supervise and implement the road projects in the mining communities.
He added that government would provide part of the funds for the project while the mining companies would also support, but stressed that “We are going to work together as stakeholders to ensure success of the projects.”
He again, said that the Technical Advisor,Dr. Francis Acheampong, also a board chairman of Ghana Highways Authority, would ensure good quality road projects.
Dr.Acheampong, on his part, said “Good quality work is important.We want to ensure that we do good roads with a longer lifespan. not those after six months, develop manholes and the road is destroyed.”
Legal Advisor, Alhaji Farouk Seidu,assured of a necessary legal framework to ensure that even if a new government assumed office, the projects in the mining enclaves would not stall.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Huni Valley
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the inaugural Libreville International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level event that brings together Heads of State, government officials, global investors, and technology experts.
The forum, being held under the patronage of Mr Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, is on the theme “Political Stability, Business Climate, and Artificial Intelligence: Catalysts for Growth.”
The forum seeks to position Gabon as a regional innovation hub and key destination for international investment.
Organisers are holding the Forum to inaugurate the newly constructed Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Centre, which also serves as the venue for the Forum and as a future centre for international dialogue.
The forum will culminate in the “Libreville Declaration,” which will showcase the strategic political leaders’ commitments to enhancing governance, transparency, and digital integration across the continent.
President Mahama remains a strong advocate for fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between government policy and private-sector growth to ensure inclusive development.
Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has informed the New Patriotic Party’s 2028 flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, of his decision to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Mr. Agyarko disclosed this during a courtesy call on Dr. Bawumia on May Day.
According to a statement from his team, the visit gave him the opportunity to commend the former Vice President for his service to both the New Patriotic Party and the country.
During the meeting, Mr. Agyarko, together with members of his campaign team, formally notified Dr. Bawumia of his planned nationwide tour as part of his campaign for the National Chairman position.
He reaffirmed his support for the former Vice President and stressed the need for unity within the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Agyarko said the NPP must remain united and committed to securing victory in the next elections.
According to the statement, his nationwide tour is expected to begin in the Ashanti Region next week.
By: Jacob Aggrey
