Okomfo Kwadee Praises NPP for Ensuring Peaceful Mining in Tontokro

Kwabena Animounyam, popularly known as Okomfo Kwadee, has commended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for creating an enabling environment for peaceful mining activities in Tontokrom and its surrounding communities.

Okomfo Kwadee lauded the NPP’s efforts, emphasizing the significant transformation in the area. According to him, residents can now work without fear and have seen improvements in their livelihoods, including the construction of modern houses.

He recalled the tumultuous history of mining in Tontokrom, highlighting how decades of operations by certain companies led to conflicts and loss of lives. “A mining company operated here for 32 years, and it brought many issues, claiming the lives of some community members,” he recounted.

He noted a turning point during the tenure of President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2000. Residents staged protests at the mining site, which escalated into violence, resulting in fatalities. However, President Kufuor intervened, paving the way for peaceful mining activities.

“Even when tensions rose again in 2004, President Kufuor’s leadership ensured peace was restored, allowing us to continue our mining,” Okomfo Kwadee stated.

The situation, he said, deteriorated under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government led by President John Evans Atta Mills in 2008. Soldiers were deployed, and a foreign mining company, Ghana GPS, allegedly owned by Russians and Ukrainians, caused hardship for the locals.

However, Okomfo Kwadee credited the NPP for reclaiming community lands and restoring mining activities when they returned to power. “In less than six months, we got our lands back, and today, Tontokrom is enjoying peace and harmony,” he remarked. He also expressed gratitude to Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo, DCE Clement Opoku Gyamfi, and the NPP government for their unwavering support.

Looking ahead, Okomfo Kwadee praised Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s pledge to reclaim portions of large-scale mining lands for community mining. He urged voters, particularly in mining communities, to support Dr. Bawumia and the NPP to sustain these developmental policies.

“If you’re in Amansie and don’t vote for the NPP to continue their good works, it’s up to you,” he concluded, rallying support for the ruling party ahead of the upcoming elections.