The President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Rashid Ibrahim Esq., has called on the government not to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields, arguing that the company’s response to reported xenophobic attacks in South Africa has been inadequate.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr. Ibrahim said he had faced insults, abuse and threats from some South Africans after speaking out against what he described as xenophobic attacks targeting foreign Africans in South Africa.
According to him, the reaction reinforced concerns about hostility towards African migrants and underscored the need for stronger action from governments and corporate entities operating across the continent.
The NUGS President expressed concern over reports that Ghana is preparing to evacuate an additional 400 citizens from South Africa amid the tensions. He argued that African leaders and institutions must not remain silent while citizens of other African countries face attacks and discrimination.
Mr. Ibrahim was particularly critical of Gold Fields, accusing the mining company of failing to publicly condemn the reported violence. He said the company’s recent public communications had focused on securing an extension of its mining lease in Ghana rather than addressing the welfare of affected Africans.
“It appears profits matter more to them than the lives and dignity of the very people whose land and resources sustain their business,” he stated.
Addressing President John Dramani Mahama and his administration, Mr. Ibrahim urged the government to reject any application to renew Gold Fields’ mining lease. He cited Article 257 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which vests the country’s natural resources in the state on behalf of its citizens.
He argued that Ghana possesses capable local investors and entrepreneurs who could undertake mining operations while ensuring greater economic benefits remain within the country.
The student leader further warned that any decision to renew the lease could face strong resistance from students across the country. He said student groups were prepared to organize democratic actions and mobilize opposition should the government proceed with the renewal.
“Students across Ghana are ready to mobilize, organize, and embark on sustained democratic action to resist any decision that disregards the voice of the people,” he said.
Mr. Ibrahim concluded by calling for Ghana’s natural resources to be managed primarily for the benefit of Ghanaians, insisting that national interests should take precedence in decisions concerning strategic assets.
Neither Gold Fields nor government officials had publicly responded to the statement at the time of publication.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
