Speaking during an interview on Starr FM, Dr. Obeng raised concerns about whether the construction of an airport truly reflects the immediate needs and priorities of residents in the mining community.
“Ibrahim Mahama wants to build an airport at Damang. But is that really what the people of Damang want?” he reportedly asked during the discussion.
His comments have since generated conversation on social media and political platforms, with many people debating whether large-scale infrastructure projects should take precedence over basic community needs.
According to Dr. Obeng, development projects should be guided by the real concerns of ordinary citizens rather than by prestige or political visibility.
He argued that many communities across Ghana, including Damang, continue to struggle with pressing issues such as poor road networks, limited access to healthcare, inadequate educational facilities, and inconsistent water supply.
In his view, while infrastructure development is important, projects must directly improve the living conditions of the people they are intended to serve.
In his view, while infrastructure development is important, projects must directly improve the living conditions of the people they are intended to serve.
He suggested that an airport may appear impressive, but its practical value could be questioned if more urgent social challenges remain unresolved.
Dr. Obeng stressed that the issue is not opposition to development itself, but rather the type and priority of development being proposed.
Dr. Obeng stressed that the issue is not opposition to development itself, but rather the type and priority of development being proposed.
He argued that communities should be properly consulted before major projects are announced or undertaken.
According to him, if Ibrahim Mahama is genuinely committed to supporting the development of Damang, there should be clear evidence that the airport proposal emerged from discussions with residents and reflects their actual demands.
The comments have divided public opinion. Some Ghanaians agree with Dr. Obeng’s concerns, arguing that rural and semi-urban communities often require investments in healthcare, schools, roads, and water systems before more ambitious infrastructure projects are considered.
Others, however, believe that an airport could potentially boost economic activity, attract investment, improve transportation, and create employment opportunities for residents in the area.
According to him, if Ibrahim Mahama is genuinely committed to supporting the development of Damang, there should be clear evidence that the airport proposal emerged from discussions with residents and reflects their actual demands.
The comments have divided public opinion. Some Ghanaians agree with Dr. Obeng’s concerns, arguing that rural and semi-urban communities often require investments in healthcare, schools, roads, and water systems before more ambitious infrastructure projects are considered.
Others, however, believe that an airport could potentially boost economic activity, attract investment, improve transportation, and create employment opportunities for residents in the area.
Supporters of the proposal argue that large infrastructure projects can sometimes stimulate broader development beyond their immediate purpose.
The debate also reflects a larger national conversation about how development priorities are determined in Ghana and whether political and business leaders always align projects with the everyday realities facing local communities.
As discussions continue, Ibrahim Mahama has yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised by Dr. Obeng regarding the airport proposal.
Meanwhile, the issue has once again highlighted the growing public demand for development projects that combine ambition with practical benefits for ordinary citizens.
The debate also reflects a larger national conversation about how development priorities are determined in Ghana and whether political and business leaders always align projects with the everyday realities facing local communities.
As discussions continue, Ibrahim Mahama has yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised by Dr. Obeng regarding the airport proposal.
Meanwhile, the issue has once again highlighted the growing public demand for development projects that combine ambition with practical benefits for ordinary citizens.