By Kwame Gyasi
Following the announcement of the first batch of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), leading constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ahafo-Ano North Municipality have held a press conference appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to appoint Richmond Aboakye Agyemang as the next Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
They praised Mr. Agyemang, expressing confidence in his leadership. However, the Concerned NDC Youth of Ahafo Ano North have strongly refuted these claims, exposing the ulterior motives behind the executives’ endorsement.
According to them, these NDC constituency executives are only pushing for Mr. Agyemang’s appointment to further their illegal mining (galamsey) operations, which have been devastating the lands and water bodies of the municipality.
In previous reports, concrete evidence revealed that these same party executives have deep-rooted interests in illegal mining.
Their attempt to lobby for Mr. Agyemang’s appointment as MCE is a desperate move to sustain their illegal activities, directly contradicting H.E President Mahama’s commitment to eradicating galamsey in the country.
The youth argue that the press conference organized by the constituency executives is a deceptive ploy to mislead the public and the presidency into nominating an MCE aspirant whose primary interest is the continuation of galamsey.
Communities such as Subriso, Asikam and Mfante have suffered severe environmental damage due to illegal mining. Polluted water bodies, destroyed cocoa farmlands, and declining economic opportunities have left the local youth with no choice but to resist any attempt to appoint an MCE who will perpetuate these heinous crimes against the good people of Ahafo-Ano North
Speaking on behalf of the Concerned Youth, a leading advocate, Kwabena Agyepong stated, “We will not allow corrupt individuals to manipulate the system for their personal gains at the expense of our future.
Our lands and livelihoods are at stake. The NDC constituency executives cannot force an MCE on us who has no intention of fighting galamsey. We stand firmly against their deception,” they admonished.
Unlike his opponent, Mr. Richard Merz, a direct rival for the MCE position, has been a vocal advocate against illegal mining.
His commitment to restoring the environment, ensuring maximum security, and effective stakeholder engagements as well as promoting sustainable development has earned him widespread support from the people of Ahafo-Ano North.
The NDC youth firmly believe that only Mr. Richard Merz can lead the municipality in the right direction, ensuring that illegal mining is completely eradicated.
As tensions rise ahead of a planned press conference by the concerned NDC youth on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the Concerned Youth are urging President Mahama and the general public to disregard the false narratives being pushed by the NDC constituency executives.
They maintain that the people of Ahafo-Ano North deserve an MCE who will prioritize their well-being and development over corrupt, self-serving interests.
The youth have vowed to intensify their resistance against any political interference aimed at endorsing candidates linked to galamsey. They are calling on traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and government agencies to take a firm stand against illegal mining and ensure that the next MCE is someone who truly represents the interests of the people.
With their unwavering stance, the Concerned NYouth of Ahafo Ano North have sent a clear message: they refuse to be manipulated by corrupt political actors and will fight to protect their lands, resources, and future.
The decision now rests with H. E the presidency, but the people have spoken—Mr. Richard Merz is the only choice for a sustainable and prosperous Ahafo Ano North.
2 Responses
We, the NDC constituency executives and Richmond Aboakye Agyemang, categorically deny any involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) and reject the baseless accusations made by the Concerned NDC Youth. We are committed to fighting galamsey and have a proven track record of initiatives and policies aimed at eradicating this practice. We urge the youth to engage in constructive dialogue and to verify information before making public accusations, which can cause harm to reputations and communities.”