The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has assured small scale miners that his administration will pursue equity and justice with regards to their missing excavators which he says, will be certainly investigated and restored to them with the perpetrators punished severely.
Reiterating his promises in the extractives sector as part of measures to help bring about a positive change in the nation and also in the sector, he restated that, he will establish a Gold Board (GOLDBOD) which will support small scale miners to mine in peace while respecting environmental health and safety guidelines. He added that, to add value to their products, the country will refine more gold for export.
Speaking during an engagement with professionals in Ghana on the NDC’s “People’s Manifesto”, he further announced that, his government will involve the Central Bank in certifying quality refined Ghanaian Gold and also work with the KNUST Jewelry Training Centre to establish a first-class unique Jewellery market in Ghana.
“This is our strategy to create decent jobs in mining communities as we also protect the environment including water bodies in this climate challenged world.”
He then urged professionals in Ghana to make it a collective duty to bring about the positive change that is desired in themselves, the youth, in our communities, in our country and for generations unborn.
John Mahama mentioned that, Ghana’s vision will be realized if we abandon the “gown of favoritism” during recruitment and promotions at workplaces, that is the military, police, prisons, immigration, judiciary, civil and public services and must don the garment of merit-based recruitment and promotions
“My dear professionals, when you look ahead ten (10) years from now, what kind of Ghana do you envision for yourself and your children? Indeed, I have dedicated some quiet moments towards this exercise, and I see a peaceful, stable and prosperous nation with opportunities for all, where jobs and infrastructure are abundant, and fruits of our economic success are shared equitably. Of course, this would be a mirage, a mere pipe dream, if we do not work at it together with the requisite structures and strategies. This vision can only be achieved if we defeat petty partisanship, toxic tribalism and ethnocentrism.”
He then revealed that, he is overjoyed that, even before the first vote is cast, the promises in the “Peoples’ Manifesto” have significantly aroused the sleepy conscience and attention of this Government and have shaken them to act selectively albeit too late in the day on some of their policy proposals.
He posited that, Ghanaians deserve more than ever before, a government that is honest and truthful to them, a government that takes responsibility and gives them results, not excuses or blame.
He then noted that, his government when voted into power will work to unite and create opportunities for all and not just for a privileged few in order to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, end the repression of the media and end intolerance and discrimination against ethnic groups, religious groups, gender and age groups.
“Above all, we shall consider it a civic duty and support all citizens to hold our Government accountable to the people of Ghana without fear of recriminations. Together with you, we shall build the Ghana we all can be proud of. And we shall adopt a root and branch approach to the fight against corruption.”
