The Konongo Traditional Council has welcomed the government’s decision to revoke the operating licence of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited (NAML), formerly Owere Mines, but has called for transparency in handling the process and the introduction of a new investor with strict environmental safeguards.
The Chief of Konongo, Nana Awuah Abedimisa II, described the Minerals Commission’s decision as appropriate, saying illegal mining remained a serious concern in the area. He made the remarks in an interview with a local radio station monitored by Akoma News.
“We support the decision by the Minerals Commission to revoke the licence of Northern Ashanti Mines. We only want to see transparency in handling the matter. Illegal mining is a serious problem in our area,” he said.
The government revoked the company’s licence on October 22, following a joint operation by police and military personnel at its mining site. The action followed allegations that the company had repeatedly breached operational regulations, including allowing illegal miners to operate on parts of its concession.
During the operation, mine staff were ordered to vacate the site with immediate effect. Mining activities have since ceased, while military personnel remain stationed at the location.
The Minerals Commission has maintained that the termination of NAML’s mineral rights was carried out in accordance with the law. At a media briefing in Accra, the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, said the company had failed to meet its statutory obligations despite being given several opportunities to regularise its position.
Mr Tandoh stressed that mineral rights were privileges granted by the State and came with obligations that every mining company must fulfil.
“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!” he said.
Nana Awuah Abedimisa II urged the government to identify a replacement investor to operate the concession while ensuring that environmental protection remained a priority.
“We need a new firm to operate here with strict environmental protection protocols,” he said.
The Meenahene of Juansa, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, also backed the Commission’s decision, accusing the company of failing to recognise the traditional authorities as custodians of the land.
“The mine never saw us as custodians of the land. Their operation was discreet,” he said.
Northern Ashanti Mines had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe