The Wassa-Damang Youth Association has declared that it is not concerned about which company takes over the Damang Mine, but says it would welcome a takeover by Engineers & Planners, an indiginous Ghanaian mining firm if government settles on it.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the Youth Leader, Ebenezer Takyi, emphasised that the group’s priority is not the identity of the operator, but the development and welfare of host communities.
“Should the Government of Ghana, in its wisdom, hand over the Damang Mine to Engineers & Planners or any other competent entity, the youth of Wassa-Damang will respect that decision,” he stated.
Flanked by chiefs and other Executive members of the Youth group, Ebenezer Takyi added that while the association recognizes the competence and contributions of businessman, Dr. Ibrahim Mahama and his company in the mining and construction sectors, their support is not exclusive.
“If government hands it over to Engineers & Planners, it will be in our best interest as one of the outstanding Ghanaian-owned companies, based on its competence and contribution to the mining industry,” he noted.
The youth leader, however, stressed that whoever assumes operational control of the mine must place premium on sustaining and improving community development initiatives.
“For us, community development remains our topmost priority, and we expect the continuation and strengthening of interventions that have supported our communities over the years,” he said.
Mr. Takyi also used the platform to disassociate the youth from a group of individuals who recently petitioned authorities at Parliament, claiming to represent the people of Wassa-Damang and calling for the mine to be handed over to Engineers & Planners.
“We categorically state that we disassociate ourselves completely from the claims and representations made by those individuals. They do not speak for us, nor were they mandated by the youth or the broader community,” he stressed.
He urged the public, media, and government to treat such claims with caution, insisting that the youth of Wassa-Damang remain organized and capable of speaking for themselves.
The association further defended the track record of Gold Fields, which has operated the Damang Mine for the past 25 years, dismissing assertions that the company had done little for the area.
Mr. Takyi outlined several development projects undertaken by the company, including the rehabilitation of the 33-kilometre Damang–Tarkwa road, extension of electricity to surrounding communities, and the provision of water systems and sanitation facilities.
He also cited apprenticeship programmes, heavy-duty equipment training, scholarships for over 800 beneficiaries, and support for cocoa farmers, as well as the construction of clinics and maternity blocks.
“These interventions have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihoods in Wassa-Damang,” he said, adding that while there is room for improvement, it is inaccurate to suggest that no meaningful development has taken place.
The association concluded by cautioning individuals against using the name of the youth to push unauthorized claims, reaffirming its commitment to peace and constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders.
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