‘Bawumia’s policies won’t harm mining sector’- Mireku Duker

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September 23, 2024
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The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and coordinator for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign in mining communities, George Mireku Duker, has assured small-scale miners that their livelihood is secure under a Bawumia-led government.

Addressing a large gathering in Akwatia, he reaffirmed that small-scale mining would not be banned, but urged miners to actively join the government’s fight against illegal mining and environmental degradation.

Launching the Miners4Bawumia group, which drew hundreds of miners from various communities, the Deputy Minister tasked them to become advocates of responsible mining practices, and lead efforts to eliminate river pollution caused by illegal operations. He stressed that Dr. Bawumia appreciates the sector’s significant contribution to the economy, and would not implement policies that harm their jobs.

“Dr. Bawumia recognizes your work and its importance to the economy. He will not pursue policies that threaten this sector. Instead, he will introduce measures to sanitize and improve mining practices,” Duker assured.

He clarified that existing laws already outlaw illegal mining, and the priority should be enforcing these regulations rather than imposing blanket bans. He reiterated Dr. Bawumia’s promise to establish a Mineral Development Bank, which will empower Ghanaians to create responsible mining companies and generate sustainable jobs.

Ernest Yaw Kumi, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, highlighted the socioeconomic benefits of small-scale mining, stating that over five million Ghanaians depended on the sector. He emphasised that a total ban would have devastating effects on these livelihoods, and reiterated the NPP’s commitment to safeguarding responsible mining.

Mr. Duker urged miners to join forces with the government in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, emphasizing the need to protect the environment while ensuring sustainable mining practices.

NPP Eastern Regional NPP Chairman, Jeff Konadu, urged miners not to fall for what he termed as the “empty promises” of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). He commended Hon. Duker for championing the cause of small-scale miners both in Parliament and in government. Konadu further challenged the NDC’s presidential candidate to state his stance on the small-scale mining issue.

Ama Sey, former MP for Akwatia, also lent her support to the Miners4Bawumia campaign, assuring miners that their jobs would be protected under a Bawumia presidency.

In response, the leadership of the Miners4Bawumia group expressed their gratitude to Mr. Duker for his reassurances and pledged to campaign vigorously for Dr. Bawumia’s victory in the upcoming elections

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Politics

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October 8, 2024
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3 minutes Read

Bawumia has disarmed NDC’s ethnocentric strategy- Kwabena Agyepong

Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Advisor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has stated that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy has effectively disarmed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), neutralizing the party’s ethnocentric campaign strategy.

In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Mr. Agyepong explained that the NDC had historically relied on an ethnically charged narrative to portray the NPP as an “Akan party” in an effort to win over voters, particularly from the northern regions and Zongo communities. However, he said, this narrative had been significantly disrupted with the election of Dr. Bawumia, Northerner and Muslim, as the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer.

According to Agyepong, Dr. Bawumia’s selection signalled a new chapter in Ghanaian politics, where ethnicity and religion no longer defined party allegiance. He noted that Dr Bawumia’s candidacy exemplified the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity and national unity, moving beyond traditional ethnic lines.

“This is the first time in Ghana’s political history that the NPP has selected a Northern Muslim as its flagbearer, and this has completely disarmed the NDC’s ethnocentric propaganda, which they have used to great effect since the 1980s,” Mr. Agyepong noted.

He pointed out that, for decades, the NDC had leaned on the historical Alien Compliance Order and similar events to foster ethnic divisions, accusing the NPP of marginalizing people from northern Ghana. With Dr. Bawumia leading the NPP, Mr Agyepong believes the opposition’s main weapon has been taken away.

“I’m pretty confident that we may surprise a few in Accra. For the first time, electing Dr. Bawumia has disarmed the NDC of their most potent propaganda weapon. Since 1982, they have been masters in ethnocentric campaigns, labeling the NPP as an Ashanti or Akan party. But now, that message has no foundation,” he emphasised.

Mr Agyepong further recalled how NDC members, including its General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, doubted whether the NPP would ever allow Dr. Bawumia to lead, due to his background. “Their candidate publicly questioned whether Dr. Bawumia would be given the nod, saying the NPP was an ‘Akan party’ that would never allow a Northerner to lead. But the party thought otherwise, and voted overwhelmingly for Dr Bawumia, with 61% of the vote. Now, the NDC is struggling to find a coherent message,” he remarked.

Despite the challenges the NPP faces, including internal divisions, Mr. Agyepong expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2024 general elections. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as a unifying force that strengthens the party’s appeal, particularly in swing regions such as Greater Accra.

He also noted the NPP’s growing influence in traditionally NDC-dominated areas, stating, “We’re now fighting them on their turf, in areas we previously didn’t have a strong presence. Our grassroots support is very strong, and with Bawumia at the helm, we are positioned to win over voters in regions where the NPP was once less competitive.”

Politics

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October 5, 2024
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2 minutes Read

NPP PCs urged to spend at least 4 days weekly in constituencies

The leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a directive mandating all its parliamentary candidates to spend a “minimum of four days per week” in their respective constituencies to strengthen their campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming December 7 general elections.

According to the press statement issued by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong on Friday, October 4, the party has observed that some parliamentary candidates are not consistently present in their constituencies.

It said that the lack of engagement raises concerns about the potential impact on the party’s performance in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

“You should know that this lack of engagement would significantly affect our electoral fortunes in both presidential and parliamentary elections,” part of the statement read.

In light of this, the party has taken the matter seriously and expects all parliamentary candidates to dedicate sufficient time to engage with constituents.

The party has also directed regional campaign teams to monitor and report on the activities of the candidates.

“The regional campaign teams are hereby directed to submit weekly reports of the activities of their parliamentary candidates to the National Secretariat. We trust in your usual attention and cooperation in this matter,” the statement added.