Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd has voiced serious concerns over the ongoing assaults by armed illegal miners on its concession.
The company, a legally registered and licensed mining operation situated in Konongo Odumase, Asante Akyem Central Municipality, Ashanti Region, reported that its site was once again invaded by illegal miners on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The intruders were reportedly armed with stones, machetes, clubs, firearms, bows, arrows, and other dangerous weapons.
In an official statement, the mining company recounted that the violent invasion, which was marked by the firing of live ammunition, resulted in two employees sustaining severe gunshot wounds.
Additionally, the attack caused extensive damage, including the destruction of three vehicles, significant harm to buildings and key infrastructure, and the looting of ore valued in the millions of dollars.
The mine’s management reported that they have conducted multiple meetings with the Municipal Security Council, led by the MCE for Asante Akyem Central, to address the ongoing attacks. The most recent meeting focused on an earlier assault that took place less than three months ago.
In response to the repeated attacks, the mining company has appealed to the traditional authority, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ashanti Regional Minister to enhance security measures.
“We are calling on our respected Traditional Authority, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Defense; the Ashanti Regional Minister and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies clothed with the mandate to offer us adequate guarantees and security; to promptly come to the aid of Northern Ashanti Mines.”
Read below the statement by the Northern Ashanti Mines
For Immediate release to all media houses;
Armed Attack on Northern Ashanti Mines Concession leaves two badly injured, with gold ore worth millions looted.
Management of Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd. a duly registered and licensed mining company at Konongo Odumase, in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has noted with deep concern the incessant attacks of armed illegal miners; on its concession.
On Monday 2nd September, 2024; these bracing bandits invaded our concession for the umpteenth time wielding stones, machetes, clubs, cajoles, firearms, bows and arrows and other offensive objects.
This horrific raid which occurred amidst the firing of live ammunition resulted in two of our staff sustaining life-threatening gunshot wounds; the destruction of three vehicles; damage to our buildings and key installations and the looting of ore amounting to several millions of dollars.
Management of the mine has held several meetings with the Municipal Security Council headed by the MCE for Asante Akyim Central; the latest of which concerned another attack that the mine suffered less than three months ago.
Northern Ashanti Mines finds these recurrent attacks inimical to the quest of the government to promote a sustainable legal and properly regulated mining industry where investors are offered a favourable environment to contribute to the growth of the nation.
We are fully aware of the threats of terrorism in the sub-region and the tendency of such radical elements to hide behind community thugs to raid mines to finance their onslaught and cause further instability in an already volatile region where Ghana faces a significant threat.
It is also crucial to note that allowing such disturbing clashes to happen within an electioneering year where the peace, security and stability of the nation is a prime concern; can have dire consequences, especially for miscreants looking for the slight flickers of tension to exploit.
Intelligence picked up by management suggests that two notorious illegal mining kingpins in the community are behind the provision of arms and the mobilization of these thugs to continue reigning terror on the concessions of Northern Ashanti Mines.
The mine has demonstrated utmost corporate responsiveness to all our stakeholders and finds it unfortunate that such impunity festers without comprehensive responses from the state to protect the mutual interests of our mines.
A cursory trend analysis shows an increasing risk of armed confrontations which we fear could overwhelm security services and pose further threats to the precious lives of our staff and the continuous operations of the mine.
We are calling on our respected Traditional Authority, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Defense; the Ashanti Regional Minister and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies clothed with the mandate to offer us adequate guarantees and security; to promptly come to the aid of Northern Ashanti Mines.
As a company which has not reneged on our taxes, royalties and other obligations to the community and the state, Management is willing and ready to cooperate with all agencies and stakeholders to restore lasting peace and order in Konongo Odumase as we guard jealously our obligations to Ghana, the lives of our staff and the property of the mines.
Emmanuel Banda Northern Ashanti Task Force Operations Manager
Richmond Acquay Northern Ashanti Task Force Personnel Manager