Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the vice-presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has pledged that the government under Mahamudu Bawumia will require the consent and involvement of traditional chiefs before any mining activities are permitted.
Speaking during a visit to the Denkyira Traditional Council in Dunkwa On-Offin, Dr Prempeh addressed concerns Denkyirahemaa Nana Ama Ayensuwa Saara III raised about the impact of mining on local communities.
He emphasized that the proposed measure is intended to safeguard residents’ livelihoods and ensure they have a say in decisions affecting their land.
“The role of chiefs in land use decisions will be critical under our administration,” Dr. Prempeh stated. “We are committed to protecting local communities from the adverse effects of mining activities and ensuring that they benefit fairly from any developments on their land.”
Dr Prempeh also addressed local infrastructure concerns, vowing that ongoing road projects in the area would be completed as planned.
While acknowledging that some projects have experienced delays, he expressed optimism about their timely completion and the overall progress in the region.
Denkyirahemaa Nana Ama Ayensuwa Saara III, who described Dr Prempeh as ‘her blood’ due to family ties, expressed her confidence in his leadership and offered prayers for the success of both Dr Prempeh and Bawumia in advancing Ghana’s development.
Dr Prempeh’s commitment reflects a broader effort to ensure that local communities have a meaningful role in managing their resources and benefiting from national development projects.
