- Youth in Damang are petitioning the government to grant a mining concession to E.P. Mining.
- The group aims to tackle local unemployment and ensure community-led development.
- The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is expected to review the request soon.
The youth of Damang, a prominent mining community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, have officially submitted a petition to the government regarding local mineral resources. The group is formally requesting the state to grant a specific mining concession to E.P. Mining to ensure the community benefits directly from the natural wealth in their enclave.
In a formal statement issued on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the youth leadership argued that the current management of local concessions has not adequately addressed the high unemployment rates in the area. They believe that bringing in E.P. Mining as a primary operator will create a more inclusive economic environment for the indigenous people.
The petitioners highlighted that the “Damang Reset” for 2026 must prioritize local content and the active participation of youth in the high-value extractive sector. They noted that many young people in the community possess the necessary technical skills but lack the formal platforms to contribute to large-scale mining operations effectively.
According to the youth organizers, the choice of E.P. Mining is based on the company’s track record of community engagement and its commitment to environmental sustainability. The youth believe that a partnership with this specific firm will lead to better infrastructure development, including improved roads and health facilities for the Damang township.
The petition further urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to fast-track the review of the concession application to prevent any further escalations of local tensions. The youth cautioned that a lack of transparency in the allocation of mining rights often leads to friction between host communities and multinational corporations.
Support for the petition has grown among local traditional leaders and assembly members who see the move as a step toward economic self-reliance. They argued that when local firms are empowered to manage concessions, the financial returns are more likely to stay within the national economy and benefit the immediate vicinity.
The government is expected to respond to the Damang youth petition in the coming weeks following a technical assessment by the Minerals Commission. For the residents of Damang, the outcome of this request represents a critical turning point in their quest for equitable wealth distribution and sustainable regional development.
