The leader of the Tarkwa and Apinto Youth, Lawyer Tony Baah, has accused mining giant Gold Fields of failing to deliver meaningful development to communities affected by its operations despite mining in the area for more than three decades.

Speaking on the state of development in the community on Asempa FM, Baah recalled how Gold Fields once provided opportunities for workers, including overseas exposure.

"My father was a worker at Gold Fields, and they were even taken to South Africa for one week about 30 years ago," he said.

According to him, residents had hoped the presence of the mining company would transform the area, but many basic infrastructure needs remain unmet.

He noted that although some roads had been constructed, their quality has been poor and unsustainable.

"When you look back at 30 years ago, our town had nothing. The road Gold Fields built for us three years ago did not even last three days before it started deteriorating. The Awudra road was built by Gold Fields," he stated.

Baah further lamented the lack of essential social amenities in the community, particularly the absence of a proper market.

"There is no proper market in Awudra Township, and when you look at the clinic, it was our chiefs who managed to put it up for the town," he said.

He revealed that concerns about the impact of mining activities on local infrastructure have become a recurring issue for residents.

According to him, community members frequently reach out to traditional leaders and opinion leaders to intervene whenever concerns arise regarding the company's operations.

"The moment Gold Fields officials met the chief, I started getting calls to come and intervene. That is why I came with Nana," he explained, underscoring the growing frustration among residents.

Baah called on the government to provide critical infrastructure and development projects to support local youth.

"The government must help us by providing certain amenities needed in the town so that the youth will recognise that even if there are no jobs available, there are at least some accessible infrastructure facilities in the community," he appealed.

He also blamed the company's heavy-duty vehicles for the deteriorating road network in the area, saying transportation has become increasingly difficult for residents.

"In these few years, their heavy vehicles have destroyed our roads. It will take more than three hours to get there," he said.

Baah maintained that residents have lost patience with the mining firm.

"We want Gold Fields out of our land. They have mined here for 30 years, yet there is no development, not even a market to show for it," he declared.

ANAS/MA

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