Attempts by political opponents to associate businessman and political figure, Comrade David Dakudzi, with illegal mining activities have failed to gain traction, as support for his bid to become Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) continues to grow.
Supporters of the aspiring regional chairman have strongly dismissed allegations linking him to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing the claims as a deliberate smear campaign aimed at undermining his growing influence and popularity within the party.
According to the group, persistent efforts to tarnish Comrade Dakudzi’s image have yielded little success, forcing his detractors to resort to what they described as “falsehoods, propaganda, and misinformation” intended to mislead party faithful and the general public across the Eastern Region.
The supporters maintained that Comrade Dakudzi is a legitimate investor in Ghana’s mining sector and operates within the legal framework governing the industry through his company, Q 8 Mining Ventures.
They explained that the company obtained its mining licence during the administration of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, when Mike Hammah served as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
According to them, Q 8 Mining Ventures is a duly registered and licensed mining company operating under Ghana’s recognized legal mining regime and is affiliated with the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, the umbrella body representing licensed small-scale miners in the country.
The supporters stressed the need for the public to distinguish between licensed small-scale mining and illegal mining activities that continue to destroy forests, farmlands, and water bodies across the country.
Citing provisions of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), they noted that small-scale mining remains a legally recognized and regulated economic activity. They specifically referred to Section 83(1) of the Act, which states that no person shall undertake small-scale mining without a licence granted by the Minister responsible for mines.
According to the group, this legal provision clearly distinguishes lawful mining activities from illegal operations commonly referred to as galamsey. They argued that attempts to lump all small-scale miners together amount to unfair propaganda designed to criminalize legitimate businesses for political convenience.
The supporters also highlighted the contribution of licensed small-scale miners to Ghana’s economy, particularly through their participation in the government’s GoldBod initiative.
They explained that licensed miners remain key suppliers of gold to the programme, which seeks to boost foreign exchange earnings, strengthen Ghana’s gold reserves, and support the stability of the cedi.
According to them, the success of the initiative depends largely on the active participation of responsible and licensed local mining companies operating within the confines of the law.
The group further disclosed that Q 8 Mining Ventures has been selected as one of the companies expected to feature in an upcoming documentary project aimed at showcasing key stakeholders contributing to the GoldBod value chain and Ghana’s mining industry.
They added that the company currently employs more than 200 workers, including engineers, machine operators, mechanics, welders, drivers, security personnel, and other skilled and unskilled workers whose livelihoods depend on its operations.
The supporters argued that at a time when Ghana is seeking to create jobs and promote responsible indigenous investment in the mining sector, legitimate businesses should be encouraged rather than subjected to politically motivated attacks and character assassination.
They maintained that no amount of propaganda can overshadow the truth and lawful enterprise, insisting that Comrade Dakudzi’s contribution to employment creation and local economic development continues to resonate strongly with party delegates and communities across the region.
According to the group, these contributions have further strengthened his standing and boosted his popularity in the race for the Eastern Regional NDC chairmanship.
Source:;Mybrytfcmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
