Chiefs of the Asante Akyem Traditional Council in Konongo, Ashanti Region, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to grant reprieve to Northern Ashanti Mines Company Limited (NAMCL), arguing that the revocation of the company’s mining lease is having severe consequences for the community, including loss of livelihoods and stalled community development.
Addressing a news conference on Thursday, November 12, after presenting the petition to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Asante Akyem, Rev. Dr. Ekow Aidoo, the President’s representative in the municipality, the chiefs, led by Nana Gyasi, condemned what they described as the forceful and “Rambo-style” takeover of the mine by operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
They stressed the need to protect indigenous investments rather than allow them to go to waste.
Appeal for Presidential Intervention
In their petition, the chiefs acknowledged the authority of the Government and the mandate of the relevant regulatory institutions. However, they argued that regulatory enforcement and the protection of legitimate investments should be pursued in a manner that promotes fairness, due process and the preservation of economic value.
“We are particularly concerned about the events of 22 October 2026, when personnel of NAIMOS, accompanied by a representative of the Minerals Commission, entered the Company’s mine site, and employees were reportedly directed to vacate their offices and residential accommodation within two hours at gunpoint,” Nana Gyasi said.
The chiefs argued that, as traditional authorities and custodians of the lands and communities within their jurisdiction, they had a responsibility to safeguard the welfare, livelihoods and socio-economic development of their people.
“It is in this regard that we express our deep concern about the implications of the developments surrounding NAMCL for our traditional area and its people,” they stated.
According to the chiefs, although they acknowledge and respect the Government’s responsibility to regulate the mining industry, enforce the laws of the Republic and combat illegal mining, the circumstances surrounding NAMCL deserve reconsideration, particularly given the significant investment involved and the potential consequences for employment, livelihoods and community development.
Economic Investment and Community Development
The chiefs raised concerns about the scale of NAMCL’s investment in Ghana’s mining sector, noting that more than US$200 million had been committed to developing the project.
They said that, over the years, they had witnessed the company’s struggles, significant financial commitments and sustained efforts to establish and maintain cordial relationships with the host communities, including resources and expenditure devoted to community engagement and development initiatives.
“We have also personally witnessed the gradual construction and development of the Process Plant, which represents a significant milestone in the Company’s investment and operational preparations.
“It is therefore particularly disheartening that, after years of commitment, sacrifice and investment, the project should face a takeover at such a critical stage, rather than being afforded the necessary institutional support and constructive engagement to address any outstanding concerns and resolve the issues confronting it,” the chiefs stated.
Support for Community Projects
The chiefs also outlined the benefits the community and its residents had enjoyed as a result of the company’s investments, particularly in community development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“Your Excellency, although the mine is yet to commence full-scale operations, the community has already begun to experience some of the benefits of NAMCL’s social investment initiatives.
“These include the rehabilitation and reshaping of key community access roads, sponsorship of Independence Day and Farmers’ Day celebrations, as well as support for various other community activities undertaken at the request of the Municipal Assembly,” the chiefs emphasised.
Nana Gyasi and his colleagues therefore appealed to President Mahama to intervene and facilitate a comprehensive reconsideration of the circumstances surrounding the revocation of the mining lease and the subsequent takeover.
They urged the President to grant reprieve to Northern Ashanti Mines to help revive economic activities and protect livelihoods in the area.
Key Demands
The chiefs outlined the following specific demands in their petition:
A. Direct a review of the circumstances surrounding the revocation of NAMCL’s mining lease and the subsequent takeover of its operational site.
B. Order the withdrawal of NAIMOS personnel from the site and allow NAMCL to engage directly with the relevant regulatory authorities to address and resolve any concerns or issues that may have been raised, with a view to facilitating a fair and lawful resolution that safeguards the investment, employment and interests of the host communities.
C. Facilitate constructive engagement among the Government, the Minerals Commission, the company and the relevant traditional authorities to resolve any outstanding concerns.
Conclusion
In concluding their petition, the chiefs said their appeal was motivated by the overriding interest of their people and the long-term socio-economic development of the Asante Akyem Traditional Area.
They stressed that their concerns extended beyond the immediate circumstances surrounding NAMCL to the potential long-term consequences for household incomes, local businesses, youth employment, skills development and the economic sustainability of their communities.
“We have witnessed the Company’s investment, its efforts to build relationships with our communities and the progress made towards establishing a viable mining operation. We are therefore concerned about the potential loss of an important economic opportunity, particularly at a time when the project was approaching the commencement of production,” they stated.
The chiefs further acknowledged the Government’s responsibility to regulate the mining industry and ensure compliance with applicable laws but appealed for an approach that gives due consideration to the broader interests of the host communities and the long-term economic value of the project.
They accordingly called for presidential intervention to facilitate constructive engagement among the relevant stakeholders and ensure that any final resolution takes into account not only regulatory considerations but also the livelihoods, development aspirations and economic future of the people of Asante Akyem.
The traditional authorities reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Government, relevant institutions and all stakeholders towards responsible mining, peaceful coexistence and sustainable community development.
“We trust in Your Excellency’s wisdom and favourable consideration of this petition.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration,” the petition concluded.