Bismark Zumah, Chairman of the Talensi Mining Community Initiative (TAMCI), has pointed out that political involvement in the region’s mining activities has hindered the ability of local youth to benefit from the natural resources in their own communities.
Speaking on A1 Radio, he voiced concerns about the role politicians play in the challenges faced by mining communities in the Talensi area. He expressed his belief that political interference has been detrimental to local communities, particularly in terms of youth employment and mining operations.
“I think politicians are not helping us. Because of a lot of TAMCI issues, I can say politicians are also to be blamed.”
According to him, politicians often support foreign mining companies at the expense of local youth who are seeking employment opportunities. He believes that if politicians stopped meddling in these matters, it would create better opportunities and greater empowerment for the local youth.
“If politicians stop involving themselves in the affairs of our area, I think it will go a long way to help us. The youth in the communities should be the ones benefiting from what is happening here, rather than politicians supporting foreign companies to the detriment of their own youth who are looking for employment.”
Mr. Zumah highlighted the lack of employment opportunities for the youth in the region, emphasizing that mining is one of the few viable sources of work for the younger generation. However, local miners face restrictions that prevent them from operating freely. He attributed this to a lack of support for responsible, locally-led mining practices, which further complicates the community’s efforts to thrive.
TAMCI’s primary mission, he explained, is to organize the youth in the Talensi catchment area, educating them on responsible mining practices and their legal rights. Through these efforts, the organization seeks to ensure that the community fully benefits from the mining activities occurring in the area.
“TAMCI’s main aim is to organize the youth across the entire Talensi catchment area, educate them on responsible mining, and ensure they know their rights so they can claim what is due to them.”
He also stressed that not all miners involved in the industry are illegal, but some operate irresponsibly. While certain individuals have legal concessions to mine, their methods may not follow best practices, leading to environmental and social harm. TAMCI is working to educate these miners on how to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner that benefits the entire community.
“Some people have their concessions legally and are allowed to operate as small-scale miners, but the way they conduct their mining activities is irresponsible. They also need to be educated on the right way to mine.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | GIfty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
