Tension in Birim North as angry NDC youth attempt to disrupt cooperative mining scheme launch

Some aggrieved youth, believed to be supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Monday, June 8, attempted to block the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and his entourage from launching the government’s Cooperative Mining Scheme in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.

The group, dressed in black outfits with red armbands, moved to prevent the commencement of the programme, which is aimed at promoting responsible mining practices, creating jobs, and equipping young people in mining communities with vocational and technical skills.

The protesting youth accused party leaders and local stakeholders of being left out of the planning process, describing the organisation of the event as poor and warning that it risked embarrassing both the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama.

The situation was brought under control after the swift intervention of police personnel and senior party officials, who engaged the aggrieved youth and prevented the disruption from escalating further.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the NDC Constituency Organiser for Abirem, Ashun Wulf Lionel, questioned the level of consultation ahead of the programme.

He said he was only informed about the event two days before its scheduled date and claimed that key local authorities were unaware of it.

“As a constituency organiser, I contacted the Regional Minister, who said he was not aware. I also called the DCE, and he likewise said he was not aware,” he stated.

He further questioned how the programme could proceed without the knowledge of key constituency leadership, including the chairman, who also reportedly denied awareness of the event.

The Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is part of efforts to formalise small-scale mining activities and promote sustainable employment in mining communities.