Konongo chiefs petition Mahama to safeguard $200m Northern Ashanti Mines investment

Chiefs of the Asante Akyem Traditional Council in Konongo, Ashanti Region, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the revocation of the mining lease of Northern Ashanti Mines Company Limited (NAMCL), warning of the potential economic and social consequences for their communities.

The chiefs are appealing to the President to grant the company a reprieve and safeguard its investments, estimated at more than $200 million, arguing that the takeover of the mine threatens livelihoods, employment opportunities and community development.

Presenting the petition to the Municipal Chief Executive of Asante Akyem, who represents the President, on Thursday, November 12, the traditional authorities, led by Nana Gyasi, expressed concern over what they described as the forceful and “Rambo-style” takeover of the mining site by operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

Addressing a news conference after presenting the petition, the chiefs acknowledged the government’s responsibility to regulate the mining sector and combat illegal mining but stressed that enforcement measures must respect due process and protect legitimate investments.

They said their concerns stemmed from their responsibility as traditional authorities and custodians of the land to protect the welfare and socio-economic interests of their people.

According to the chiefs, Northern Ashanti Mines represents a substantial investment in Ghana’s mining industry, with more than $200 million committed to developing the project.

They said they had witnessed the company’s financial commitments and efforts over the years to establish cordial relationships with host communities, including investments in community engagement and development initiatives.

The chiefs also expressed disappointment over the takeover at a time when construction of the processing plant had reached a significant stage, bringing the project closer to commencing production.

They argued that the company had made considerable progress despite the challenges it faced and deserved institutional support and constructive engagement to resolve any outstanding regulatory concerns.

The traditional authorities further highlighted some of the benefits the communities had received from the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, despite the mine not having commenced full-scale operations.

These include the rehabilitation and reshaping of key community access roads, sponsorship of Independence Day and Farmers’ Day celebrations, as well as support for other community activities undertaken at the request of the Municipal Assembly.

They warned that the continued suspension of the company’s operations could have far-reaching implications for household incomes, local businesses, youth employment, skills development and the long-term economic sustainability of the area.

The chiefs are consequently asking President Mahama to direct a review of the circumstances surrounding the revocation of NAMCL’s mining lease and the subsequent takeover of its operational site.

They also want NAIMOS withdrawn from the facility to allow the company to engage directly with the relevant regulatory authorities to address any concerns and pursue a fair and lawful resolution.

Additionally, they are calling for constructive engagement involving the government, the Minerals Commission, the company and traditional authorities to resolve the matter.

The chiefs stressed that their appeal was not intended to undermine the government’s responsibility to enforce mining regulations but to ensure that regulatory considerations were balanced against the economic interests and development aspirations of host communities.

They maintained that the future of the project should be considered in the broader interest of the people of Asante Akyem, particularly given the scale of investment and the employment and development opportunities it could generate.

They expressed their commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to promote responsible mining, peaceful coexistence and sustainable community development.