Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has taken a swipe at the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them to apologise for what he describes as past mistakes in the handling of mining agreements.
Speaking on the matter, the MP stressed that communities where mineral resources are extracted deserve far greater development and tangible benefits from the wealth generated in their areas. He argued that the existing agreement fails to adequately favour these host communities.
Mr. Darko-Mensah called for a review of the terms to ensure increased royalties of between 10 and 15 percent are allocated to the localities that bear the impact of mining activities. According to him, this would help address long-standing inequalities and promote meaningful development.
He further insisted that the NDC must take responsibility for earlier decisions that, in his view, did not serve the best interests of mining communities.
Highlighting a shift in public awareness, the Takoradi MP noted that communities are now more informed and are demanding fairer deals, making it crucial for policymakers to adopt a new approach that prioritizes their welfare.
