Konongo, Juansa chiefs back revocation of Northern Ashanti Mines license

Traditional authorities in Konongo and Juansa have backed the revocation of the mining license of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited in its catchment.

They cite poor performance, environmental degradation and neglect of responsibilities towards local communities.

This comes after the Minerals Commission terminated the company’s mineral rights following allegations that portions of the concession were given to illegal miners.

Staff have since been asked to vacate the concession as the mine is non-operational.

Chief of Konongo, Nana Dr. Awuah Abedimsa II, supports the Commission.

“Minerals Commission is the statutory body responsible for mining and they have performance indicators which they use in measuring the performance of all Mining Companies. So the action taken by the minerals commission on behalf of the Konongo mine, I agree with it,” he said.

He added that “the Northern Ashanti Mines in my opinion didn’t have the resources to mine the deposits and it has given rise to the environmental degradation that we fought and continue to fight against.”

He wants the mine given to credible investors.

Chief of Juansa, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, also backs a reset.

“The illegal miners have destroyed some water bodies in the area. Our community largely depend on farming and whoever mines there should do it responsibly. We need people who will mine responsibly so we can protect our river bodies,” he said.

Government intervention

The lease was granted to Owere Mines in January 2010 covering 595 cadastral blocks. Under Section 24 of Act 703, it was bound to pay Annual Mineral Right fees, which it failed to do so.

The Minerals Commission says it exercised persistent forbearance issuing a Notice to Remedy Breach in May 2020 when arrears exceeded US$4 million.

The company, transitioning to BCM Investments, proposed payment in four tranches which it failed to meet its own plan.

The Commission issued successive notices between 2020 and 2025. Debt rose from US$5.5 million in October 2022 to US$6.1 million in December 2022, and to US$8.33 million for mining leases plus US$49,928 for prospecting licences by April 2025. The company failed to make payments.

On April 7, 2026, the Commission deemed the breach flagrant and deliberate and requested the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to terminate. The Minister approved and the rights were terminated.

The Commission rejects claims that the US$8 million figure is wrong and disputes the company’s claim of paying US$1 million. Its records show only US$300,000 paid.

“For a company that claims to have spent US$200,000,000 on the mine, what prevented it from paying the US$8,000,000 owed to the people of Ghana?” it queried.

Under Section 70 of Act 703, terminated rights revert to the State. The State will secure the assets and pursue all outstanding liabilities.

“A mineral right is not a gift, and it is not an inheritance! It is a privilege conferred by the State on terms, and those terms must be honoured,” the Commission said, insisting it acted lawfully and with due process.

The military remains stationed at the facility as the government is expected to announce next steps.