Wicked People- Nduom Slams Govt Over Proposed Mining In Kakum
Ghanaian business mogul, politician, and founding member of Ghana’s Progressive People’s Party, Papa Kwesi Nduom, has expressed his dismay at the news of some individuals seeking authorization to undertake mining activities at the Kakum National Park.
He referred to these people as wicked and questioned how they could even apply to engage in mining work at the park. Nduom emphasized the importance of Kakum National Park as one of the few remaining national parks that provide a source of water, food, and livelihood and sustain the ecosystem.
He posted;
WICKED PEOPLE. Heerrrrr! So some people sat down and wrote an application to enter the Kakum National Park to engage in mining work? One of the few national parks we have left? And it is the source of good natural water? For the love of money? Whaaat????
See reactions to his post as compiled by Tru News Report:
Meanwhile, the recent concerns raised by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the public regarding an application by High Street Mining Company Limited to mine in Kakum National Park in the Central Region have been addressed by the Minerals Commission.
In an official statement, the commission clarified that they have rejected the application and have taken immediate action to remove it from the online mining cadaster.
The Minerals Commission, in a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Martin Kwaku Ayisi, emphasized that Kakum National Park is strictly off-limits for any mining activities. This renowned tourist site in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa will not be considered for any mineral rights, whether it be for prospecting or mining.
The Kakum National Park, situated in the coastal environs of the Central Region, is a highly popular tourist destination in Ghana.
However, there is now a concerning development as a mining company called High Street Ltd. has submitted an application to the Minerals Commission for a mining license. The company intends to mine 24% of the park’s reserve.
According to information obtained from the Minerals Commission’s website, the application is currently being reviewed and has not yet been approved. During a stakeholder engagement on the policy implications of L.I. 2462 held in Accra yesterday, Mr Mustapha Seidu, the Director of the Nature and Development Foundation, expressed his astonishment at the idea of mining within the cherished Kakum National Park.
