A planned launch of a cooperative mining scheme by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah Kofi Buah, was disrupted on Monday after aggrieved executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Abirem Constituency reportedly blocked the event.
According to reports by Joy News, the constituency executives expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as their exclusion from key government appointments and decision-making processes within the area. The executives are said to have staged the protest at the venue of the event, preventing the minister from proceeding with the official launch.
The cooperative mining scheme forms part of the government’s broader efforts to formalize small-scale mining activities, create jobs, and promote responsible mining practices across the country.
However, tensions flared when the protesting party officials accused some government appointees and local leaders of sidelining grassroots party members who worked tirelessly to secure victory for the NDC during the 2024 general elections.
The angry executives reportedly insisted that their concerns be addressed before any government programme could be rolled out in the constituency. Their actions forced a temporary halt to activities and created an uneasy atmosphere at the event.
Officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and local authorities attempted to engage the aggrieved party members in discussions to resolve the impasse.
As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether the launch would be rescheduled or whether a compromise had been reached between the constituency executives and government representatives.
The incident highlights growing concerns within sections of the ruling party over appointments and representation at the local level, despite efforts by the government to unite its support base and advance its development agenda.
