The Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has said communities around the Damang Mine should expect tangible development and increased local employment following the takeover of operations by Engineers and Planners (E&P).
The transition follows E&P’s official assumption of control of the Damang Mine at a ceremony held at the mining site, a move widely seen as a significant step towards strengthening local participation in Ghana’s extractive sector.
Business mogul, Ibrahim Mahama has described the takeover as evidence that Ghana has the capacity to invest in and manage its own natural resources, with the potential to reshape the country’s economic development trajectory.
He said the move would soon translate into improved living conditions for surrounding communities, including major infrastructure projects such as an airport within six months, astroturf facilities, and improved road networks.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Saturday, Mr Schandorf stressed that beyond infrastructure, the takeover should deliver meaningful benefits to local residents, particularly in employment.
“Beyond the infrastructural uplift which, of course, is within the capabilities of E&P, the locals in that enclave should expect maximum employment considerations,” he said.
“This is because, over time, the locals in many mining communities do not have the benefits of the resources within their community. But if you look at the revised mining laws, there have been new provisions that now compel that the community where you mine is the community where you will develop.”
He added that residents should expect broader development outcomes under the new operational framework.
“So, we should be looking at some educational facilities, improved road networks. So, beyond the astroturf, anything that signals development, the people of Damang can begin to have that valid expectation. The sector minister and the government will ensure that they are not shortchanged.”
On the proposed airport, Mr Schandorf said its feasibility would depend on the company’s resource capacity but expressed confidence in E&P’s ability to deliver.
“The feasibility of an airport largely hinges on the resource capacity. We all know the might of the company, E&P. So, we at the ministry have no doubt in that promise,” he said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
