Nzema Youth To Stage Demo Against Ghana Gas
A youth group, identifying itself as ‘The People of Nzema Youth Association’, has served notice of intent to stage a mammoth but peaceful demonstration against the Ghana Gas Company on Monday, January 15, 2024.
The demonstration, according to the Convener, Nana Blay Miezah, is to express their disapproval towards the Ghana Gas Company’s unfair treatment of the Nzema community and its residents amid the various challenges associated with gas exploration.
“We are facing serious challenges as a result of the gas exploration. My brother, without an air conditioner, it is extremely difficult to have a sound sleep due to the amount of heat generated by their activities.”
That notwithstanding, he says “Gas is much more expensive here in Nzema than it is in Kumasi, Takoradi, and other places.”
This he describes as unfair.
Speaking to Opemsuo News in an interview, Nana Blay Miezah accused the company of deliberately sidelining the Nzema youth concerning job recruitment, with the only jobs available for Nzema indigenes being security personnel or cleaners.
“You see, apart from cleaners or security, there are no job opportunities for the people of Nzema. If you check from the management to other high ranks, there are no Nzema indigenes occupying any top position in the entire Ghana Gas Company,” he lamented.
The company, they say, has refused to work on the Samenye, Half Assini to New Town road networks after the construction of the company caused devastation to the road, making it impassable for travelers.
He alleged that the company has covered a river with tons of sand to access its newly acquired vast land for redevelopment instead of constructing a bridge on the river, causing severe flooding during rainy seasons.
According to the Convener, the Nzema community cannot boast of any monumental developmental projects sponsored by the Ghana Gas since it began operations in November 2014.
“Nzema cannot boast of a single developmental project funded by the Ghana Gas for the people of Nzema. So all we are saying is that we would be better off without the company. We cannot sit unconcerned and allow this to continue, that is why we have served notice of intent to register our displeasure against the company,” he stressed.
Story by GEORGE ADDO
