Youth in Damang in the Western Region have thrown their support behind the transition of the Damang Mine to Engineers & Planners (E&P), describing the move as a significant boost for indigenous participation in Ghana’s mining sector.

During engagements with Twenty-Four Hour Newspaper over the weekend, residents welcomed the takeover by the Ghanaian-owned firm led by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, noting that local ownership strengthens confidence and aligns with national economic interests.

According to the youth, the development represents more than a business transition, but a step toward empowering Ghanaian entrepreneurs to take control of the country’s natural resources.

“We are happy with Engineers & Planners and grateful for this direction. Keeping the mine under Ghanaian control is better than foreign ownership,” a youth leader said.

Residents expressed optimism that the new management better understands the local context and will be more responsive to the needs of the community. They added that the transition could usher in a new phase of stability and development in Damang.

However, despite their strong support, the youth raised concerns about the state of healthcare infrastructure in the area.

They pointed out that existing Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds lack the capacity to handle serious medical emergencies, forcing residents to travel long distances to nearby towns such as Tarkwa for treatment.

According to them, delays in accessing healthcare have, in some cases, resulted in preventable deaths.

The youth are therefore appealing to Mr Mahama and the management of Engineers & Planners to prioritise the construction of a modern hospital in Damang to address the growing healthcare needs of the community.

As the transition progresses, residents say they remain hopeful that the new operators will not only sustain mining operations but also invest in social development initiatives that will improve livelihoods in the area.