The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has called on youth and traditional leaders in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality to strictly adhere to national regulations governing small-scale mining.

His remarks come amid rising concerns over recent attacks on miners in the Aboso area, which tragically resulted in the death of one person.

The appeal was made on the second day of Asiedu Nketia’s ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Western Region, with visits to Tarkwa Nsuaem and Ahanta West municipalities.

At Prestea Huni Valley, the Member of Parliament and Municipal Chief Executive, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, along with traditional leaders, highlighted pressing local issues, including the deteriorating 20-kilometer Bogoso Junction–Prestea road. They also raised allegations regarding the seizure of underground resources in the community by high-ranking party officials and security personnel.

“In October 2024, the NPP administration awarded a Chinese firm the rights to operate an abandoned shaft as a large-scale mine, a site that was originally reserved for community mining and had been seized from us in 2016,” Mr Cudjoe explained.

Municipal Chief Executive Mathew Ayee, also stressed the urgent need to reconstruct the Bogoso–Prestea road.

“The Bogoso-Prestea road project was initiated under the NDC government. However, the subsequent NPP administration abandoned it and opted to conduct an investigation, leaving the road to deteriorate further. Residents are now relying on the NDC for decisive action to complete this vital infrastructure,” Ayee said.

Responding, Chairman Asiedu Nketia emphasised the importance of adhering to national mining laws. He highlighted small-scale mining as a vital source of sustainable employment and livelihood for communities, arguing that it must be practiced responsibly to protect both the environment and local residents.

“Small-scale mining is a crucial sector that must be safeguarded. Its potential is only realized when it is carried out responsibly. We must commit to mining methods that deliver benefits while protecting our communities and environment. Compliance with mining regulations is therefore non-negotiable,” he said.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson also urged party supporters to focus on consolidating gains from the 2024 elections.

“Winning a seat is important, but retaining it is equally crucial. We have secured victory; now it is our responsibility to consolidate those wins and ensure sustainable progress,” he said.