The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mining Committee has dismissed claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it is recruiting thugs in the Obuasi East Constituency to disrupt the upcoming general elections.
The NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, at a press conference in Accra, alleged that the Chairman of the NDC Mining Committee, Dr. Toby Aubynn, is leading the recruitment and training of the thugs under the pretext of private security in the area.
In a swift rebuttal, the NDC Mining Committee Secretary, Samuel Hadjor, dismissed the accusations and urged the public to disregard them.
“On November 12, 2024, the NDC Mining Committee held a public mining conference at Mawuli Hotel in Obuasi. The purpose of this conference was to introduce and discuss the NDC’s mining policy document with miners and stakeholders,” Mr. Hadjor stated.
He further explained the meeting was open to the public due to the importance of the deliberations to the economies of mining communities.
“This conference was advertised widely in the media,” the statement emphasised. “The conference took place on the same day Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was campaigning in Obuasi. This was far from a secret meeting, and I urge Ghanaians to treat the NPP’s baseless claims with the contempt they deserve.”
Mr. Hadjor believes the NDC’s dominance of the mining area is sending fears towards the ruling party, hence the use of accusations to break the opposition’s campaign in the areas.
“The NDC’s mining policy has brought hope to miners and small-scale operators, making the NPP apprehensive about losing support. Instead of addressing their failures, they are resorting to baseless propaganda.
“The NDC is committed to peace and stability. We will not engage in activities that threaten the security of this country. On December 7, 2024, we encourage Ghanaians to vote massively for John Dramani Mahama and all NDC parliamentary candidates,” he added.
He also called on miners nationwide to reject the NPP and support the NDC’s vision for a reformed mining sector that prioritises the welfare of miners and their communities.