Three decades: No transformation – Damang youth welcome gov't’s bold decision

For 30 years, Damang hosted Goldfields Ghana Ltd., a major gold mining company. Now, the government has refused to renew the company's lease. This news brings cautious relief to many residents.

Emmanuel Afful leads the Concerned Youth of the Damang Catchment Area. He stated, “You cannot be in a town for three decades and leave it looking abandoned.” He pointed out that there is no hospital and some communities lack functional water systems. The roads remain dusty and full of potholes.

Many see the government's decision as overdue justice. The youth of Damang are not against mining; they want development instead. They believe Goldfields failed to provide necessary improvements.

Afful compared Damang to Kenyasi or Akyem, where other companies built hospitals and better infrastructure. He said, “Three decades should have transformed Damang, but instead we got neglect.”

The youth appreciate the government's attention to their concerns. They urge officials to resist any pressure to change this decision.