The appointment of Alhaji Ishaque Dauda as the Managing Director (MD) of Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited has been met with widespread approval from the residents of Prestea Huni Valley, who have hailed former President John Dramani Mahama for the decision.
The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Prestea Huni Valley constituency has also thrown its full support behind the new MD, dismissing concerns raised by a section of individuals who claim to represent miners in the area.
In a statement issued by the NDC Communication Bureau in Prestea Huni Valley and signed by the Communication Officer, Kwame Bonful, and Deputy Officer, Awal Mohammed, the party described the criticisms against Mr. Dauda’s appointment as unfounded and driven by selfish motives.
They insisted that the opposition to his appointment comes from individuals who previously benefited from alleged mismanagement under the previous administration.
Rebutting Allegations Against Mr. Dauda’s Appointment
The NDC leadership strongly refuted claims that local miners supply “85 to 90 percent of the company’s raw materials,” emphasizing that Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited, a state-owned company established in 1994, primarily sources its materials from various small-scale miners, not just those from Prestea.
Additionally, the company procures tailings from suppliers outside the Prestea jurisdiction, making the claim of local miners controlling the supply chain highly inaccurate.
The party further dismissed threats by some individuals to block trucks transporting materials to the company in protest against Mr. Dauda’s appointment, describing such actions as harmful to the community.
The statement pointed out that any attempt to disrupt operations would negatively affect the very people these individuals claim to represent, warning that such tactics could lead to economic setbacks similar to those witnessed when the company was shut down between November 2016 and 2019.
Mr. Dauda’s Leadership Praised
Barely a month after assuming office, Mr. Dauda has already been lauded for his bold leadership and transformative policies at Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited. The NDC highlighted several key achievements under his leadership.
Mr. Dauda has initiated a thorough audit of the company’s finances and operations, aimed at uncovering irregularities and inefficiencies left behind by the previous administration. The audit is expected to restore transparency and accountability within the company.
One of the significant projects Mr. Dauda has undertaken is the restoration of the company’s tailings dam, which had been left in a poor state due to neglect by previous management. This achievement is expected to enhance production efficiency and ensure sustainable mining practices.
The NDC accused the previous administration of appointing incompetent individuals to key positions based on political affiliation rather than merit. Mr. Dauda has reportedly started appointing qualified professionals to restore the company’s fortunes and boost productivity.
Rejecting Tribal Politics in Appointments
Addressing concerns that Mr. Dauda is not an indigene of Prestea, the NDC leadership dismissed such sentiments as divisive and politically motivated. They emphasized that political success in the constituency has never been dependent on appointing local residents to head Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited.
The statement pointed out that despite past MDs coming from outside Prestea, the NDC won elections in the constituency in 2008, 2012, and 2016. It stressed that the party’s strength in the region is based on policies and development efforts, not the ethnicity or hometown of appointees.
“Political success is not tied to the birthplace of a company’s leader but to the government’s ability to deliver development, jobs, and prosperity—goals that Mr. Dauda is already advancing,” the statement read.
A Call for Unity and Support
The NDC called on all residents of Prestea Huni Valley to support Mr. Dauda in his role as MD, highlighting the potential benefits his leadership would bring to the local economy. The party assured the public that his leadership would create jobs for local residents, boost commerce in Prestea and surrounding communities, and ensure the smooth operation of Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited as a state asset, not a tool for political manipulation.
The statement also urged the public to be wary of those who seek to undermine Mr. Dauda’s efforts for their selfish gain, warning that such actions could set back the progress being made.
“The entire constituency of Prestea Huni Valley is solidly behind the President’s appointment. We welcome Mr. Dauda with open arms, and Prestea is his home. He can count on the full support of the NDC leadership in the constituency,” the statement concluded.
