The Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Elijah Dansi Bonnah, has expressed dissatisfaction with the findings of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD) regarding the impact of gold mining royalties and development projects in Obuasi.
The MCE Mr. Bonnah criticized the CDD’s research process, arguing that the data gathered did not adequately reflect the reality. Mr. Bonnah raised concerns about the sampling methodology employed by the CDD team, which he believed failed to capture the perspectives of those most familiar with the ongoing projects. Mr. Bonnah emphasized that engaging the right stakeholders is crucial for an accurate assessment. He stated:
“I can say that they didn’t do the right job. Because if you are doing a purposive sample, it means that you knew the people you were coming to talk to.”
Elijah Dansi Bonnah the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE)
Mr. Bonnah pointed out that, the CDD’s approach was flawed, as the team may not have spoken to individuals who were fully informed about the development projects. The MCE also highlighted that recent assembly elections brought in new assembly members, many of whom may not have been aware of the progress of these projects.
Mr. Bonnah stressed the importance of engaging with individuals who had been involved in the projects from the beginning, particularly in areas where key development initiatives like health centers and nurses’ bungalows were being constructed. Mr. Bonnah questioned why the CDD team would rely on input from individuals who lacked sufficient background knowledge, remarking:
“So if you meet an assemblyman, maybe a new assemblyman who doesn’t have information, why did you, select those who were there when we started the project?”
Elijah Dansi Bonnah the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE)
This concern underscores his belief that the research methodology was inadequate, as it included input from those who may not have been well-versed in the details of the projects. Mr. Bonnah argued that the team should have targeted individuals who were deeply familiar with the initiatives to ensure accurate findings.
Documented Evidence of Community Engagement
To support his position, Mr. Bonnah pointed to the assembly’s extensive documentation of its community engagement efforts.
“If you come to the assembly, we have minutes of meetings and engagements. I have done community engagement, community debates, and explaining projects. If you come to the assembly, we’ll give you minutes, then you check, you cross-check with the chiefs and the people of the communities.”
Elijah Dansi Bonnah the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE)
This statement highlights the MCE’s confidence that the assembly had made significant efforts to engage with the community, ensuring that people were informed about the ongoing development projects.
Mr. Bonnah challenged the CDD’s findings, arguing that if the research team had truly engaged with the community, they would have been aware of these efforts.
Challenges to CDD’s Findings
Mr. Bonnah also revealed that his local management team had raised concerns about the findings presented by the CDD. He claimed that the report did not accurately reflect the reality in Obuasi
“After the engagement, I got the information that a gentleman in Obuasi, who is an NGO, who represents one of the NGOs, did a poor job, a poor work.”
Elijah Dansi Bonnah the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE)
This accusation suggests that MCE Bonnah’s dissatisfaction extended beyond the CDD to include local representatives who were involved in the research. Mr. Bonnah implied that their failure to perform adequately contributed to the misrepresentation of the situation in Obuasi. In light of these concerns, Mr. Bonnah issued a public challenge to the CDD, urging them to return to Obuasi and conduct a more thorough and accurate assessment. Mr. Bonnah expressed his frustration with the initial findings, emphasizing that they did not accurately represent the impact of the mining royalties and development projects.
“So I am taking this opportunity to challenge CDD, those who came to do the work in Obuasi, that they didn’t do it well. They should come and do it again.”
Elijah Dansi Bonnah the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE)
This call for a reassessment underscores Mr. Bonnah’s determination to ensure that the community’s development efforts and the impact of mining royalties are accurately represented. He believes that a more thorough and targeted approach is necessary to present a true picture of the progress in Obuasi. Mr. Bonnah’s remarks reflect a strong critique of the CDD’s methodology and findings concerning the impact of gold mining royalties on development projects in Obuasi.
Mr. Bonnah raised concerns about the sampling process, the selection of respondents, and the accuracy of the report, calling for a reassessment to ensure that the true impact of these projects is recognized. His comments highlighted the importance of engaging with well-informed stakeholders and relying on documented evidence when assessing community development initiatives.
READ ALSO; Bisa Kdei Narrates ‘Azonto’s’ Evolution
