The Communication Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Prestea Huni Valley Constituency has responded to criticisms from a group claiming to represent local miners and residents over the appointment of Alhaji Ishaque Dauda as the Acting Managing Director (MD) of Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited (PSGL).
In a statement signed by Mr. Kwabena Bonful, the Communication Officer of the NDC in the constituency, the party dismissed these concerns as “misguided” and motivated by “selfish and greedy interests” aimed at obstructing progress within the company and the community. The NDC reaffirmed its full support for Mr. Dauda, highlighting his early accomplishments and commitment to improving the company’s operations.
The party also rejected claims that local miners supply "85 to 90 percent" of the company’s raw materials. It clarified that PSGL, established in 1994 to extract gold from old tailings, sources its materials from various small-scale miners beyond Prestea. The assertion that local miners could halt operations by blocking supplies was described as an exaggerated threat that fails to recognize the company's operational resilience. The NDC warned that such disruptions would ultimately harm the local economy, citing the challenges faced when PSGL was inactive from November 2016 to 2019.
Within just over a month of assuming office, Mr. Dauda has introduced significant reforms, including an audit of the previous administration. The NDC criticized the past management, which it claimed was filled with "mediocre NPP loyalists," for mismanaging the company. It asserted that Mr. Dauda’s leadership signals a new era of transparency and accountability.
The party also highlighted his role in revitalizing the company’s tailings dam, questioning why critics ignored this key achievement. It described those opposing his appointment as “faceless entities” driven by self-interest, fearing that his leadership would end corrupt practices that thrived under the previous administration.
Additionally, the NDC emphasized that PSGL is a national asset, and appointments should be based on competence rather than regional affiliations. The party dismissed claims that not appointing a local MD would hurt the NDC’s electoral chances in Prestea, pointing out that the party had won elections in the constituency despite past MDs being from outside the area.
“The notion that the previous government lost due to a similar ‘outsider’ appointment is a flawed and divisive argument,” the statement added.
The NDC called on residents, party members, and Ghanaians to support Mr. Dauda’s leadership, stating that it aligns with the President’s vision of national progress. The party urged the community to reject the efforts of individuals seeking personal gain at the expense of collective development.
Concluding the statement, the NDC firmly distanced itself from the group of 13 individuals opposing the appointment.
“As the leadership of the NDC in Prestea, with the full support of our members, we dissociate ourselves from these so-called faceless individuals. The entire Prestea Huni Valley Constituency stands firmly behind the President’s appointment. The new MD is welcome, Prestea is his home, and he has our full support,” the statement affirmed.
