Suame MP John Darko has questioned the government’s claim that it is unaware of Chinese nationals operating at Narawa Mines, insisting that their visible presence and alleged military protection make such a position difficult to accept.
Speaking on TV3’s Keypoint, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP said the government could not reasonably deny knowledge of the Chinese nationals when videos showing their activities at the mining site were already circulating.
“Chinese have invaded our forest and you are sitting here telling us that government is not aware. That is even worse,” he said.
He argued that the Chinese nationals had gone beyond merely appearing at the mining site, claiming that they were constructing roads and putting up facilities.
“There are videos of these Chinese in this mining area. They are building facilities, they are constructing roads, and we’ve seen the videos. And all government can say is that we are not aware. The guy says we are working for government, and you are claiming you are not aware,” he added.
Darko said the situation raised serious questions about the government’s knowledge of the activities taking place at the mine, particularly the alleged relationship between the Chinese nationals and the military personnel providing security.
“The Chinese are there with military protection. You are telling me that government has no idea as to how the Chinese and the military are working together?” he questioned.
He warned that if the government genuinely had no knowledge of the developments, it would point to a serious failure in oversight and the management of the country’s natural resources.
“We cannot sit here and pretend that government doesn’t know anything about it. In fact, if that is the position, then we are dead as a country. It means that we have foreigners invading our forest and we have a sleepy government,” he said.
