The Chief of Wassa Damang, Nana Enimere Kwaw II, has welcomed the Government of Ghana’s decision to hand over the Damang Mine to Engineers & Planners (E&P), describing it as a “bold and strategic step” towards local ownership of the country’s natural resources.
The Government recently transferred the gold mine, located in the Western Region, to the Ghanaian-owned company headed by Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ibrahim Mahama.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, Nana Enimere Kwaw II said the handover sends a strong message that Ghanaians have the competence and capacity to manage their own resources for national development.
“This bold and strategic decision by the Government marks a significant step towards promoting local ownership and participation in Ghana’s natural resource sector,” the Chief stated.
He called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the initiative and support Dr Mahama to succeed.
“We must believe in our own. A Black man is capable of managing his own affairs and building sustainable enterprises that benefit our people,” he added.
Nana Enimere Kwaw II stressed that the development of Damang and its catchment areas must remain a top priority under the new management. He expressed confidence in Dr Mahama’s vision to drive transformation through infrastructure, employment and social investment.
The Chief, however, urged the new operators to work closely with traditional authorities to maintain peace in the mining area.
“We encourage the new management to collaborate with Nananom and the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council on all matters relating to traditional authority. This will help maintain peace and avoid unnecessary chieftaincy tensions within the operational areas,” he said.
Nana Enimere Kwaw II reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional leadership and the people of the area to the success of the venture.
“Nana Enimere Kwaw II, together with the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council and the entire catchment communities, pledge our full support to Dr Ibrahim Mahama and his team to ensure the success of this venture,” the statement read.
The Chief concluded with a call for unity, cooperation and shared responsibility among all stakeholders to ensure the Damang Mine becomes a model for local success, community development and national pride.
The Damang Mine is one of Ghana’s key gold assets. The handover to Engineers & Planners forms part of the government’s renewed push to increase local participation in the mining sector.
