Dr. Ben Asante is the CEO of the Ghana National Gas Company
Tension is mounting in the Nzema enclave of the Western Region as residents prepare to stage a demonstration against the continued leadership of Dr. Ben Asante as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas).
The planned protest is being organized by youth groups, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders in the region who are demanding a change in leadership to reflect regional inclusivity.
The demonstrators, led by local opinion leaders, argue that the Nzema area, which hosts the operations of Ghana Gas, has not seen enough socio-economic development under the leadership of Dr. Ben Asante.
They allege that the region has been sidelined in terms of employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and other corporate social responsibilities.
Key Demands from the Nzemas
The protesters are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action by appointing a new CEO, preferably someone with roots in the Nzema community.
They argue that such a decision would foster a stronger relationship between the company and the local community, ensuring that the benefits of Ghana Gas’s operations are more equitably distributed.
Speaking to the press, one of the organizers of the protest, stated, “The Nzema land is the backbone of Ghana’s gas production, yet we are being neglected in decision-making and developmental efforts. It is time for a son of the soil to lead Ghana Gas and prioritize the needs of this region.”
Concerns About Local Development
Residents have long expressed concerns over the lack of significant developmental projects in the Nzema area, despite its pivotal role in the country’s gas production.
Community leaders argue that the current leadership has failed to address pressing issues, such as youth unemployment, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate educational facilities in host communities.
One other youth leader emphasised, “We are not against Dr. Ben Asante personally, but we believe it’s time for new leadership that understands and appreciates the challenges of the Nzema people.”
Government and Company Response
Neither the Ghana Gas Company nor Dr. Ben Asante has officially commented on the impending demonstration. However, sources within the company suggest that discussions are ongoing to address the concerns raised by the community.
The government is also yet to issue a statement on the matter, but political analysts believe that the Nzema protests could influence President Mahama’s decision regarding leadership appointments within the energy sector.
The Planned Demonstration
The protest is scheduled to take place in the coming days, with hundreds of residents expected to participate. Organizers have vowed to make their voices heard until their demands are met, including terminating the appointment of the current CEO of Ghana Gas.
As the Nzema community prepares to demonstrate, all eyes are on the government and Ghana Gas to see how they address the concerns of one of Ghana’s most resource-rich regions. The outcome of this protest could have significant implications for the leadership of Ghana Gas and the relationship between the company and its host communities.
