- Attackers used firearms
- The company criticized the inadequate response from local security forces
- Concerns raised about the potential use of stolen gold to fund terrorism
The Konongo Odumase Concession of Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd. was violently attacked by heavily armed bandits, resulting in two people being critically injured and gold ore valued at millions of dollars being stolen.
The assault took place on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the company’s mining site in Konongo Odumase, located in the Asante Akim Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The attackers, armed with firearms, machetes, clubs, bows, and arrows, inflicted severe damage to the company’s property, including three vehicles and various mining facilities.
In a press release, the company expressed deep concern over the repeated violence by illegal miners, noting that this attack is part of an alarming pattern. The statement highlighted that Northern Ashanti Mines has been working with local security forces, including the Municipal Security Council, to combat these threats, but with little success.
“Northern Ashanti Mines has held numerous discussions with the Municipal Security Council, led by the MCE for Asante Akyim Central, addressing similar attacks, including one that occurred less than three months ago,” the statement read.
The company criticized these recurrent assaults as detrimental to the government’s efforts to foster a sustainable and well-regulated mining sector that attracts investment and supports national growth. They also stressed the implications of such violence in the context of Ghana’s upcoming elections, where stability is paramount.
The mining firm expressed concern that the stolen gold could potentially fund terrorism in a region already facing significant instability. “We recognize the risks of terrorism in the region and the potential for radical groups to use local criminal elements to finance their activities, further destabilizing an already volatile area,” the statement warned.
The company also pointed out that such violence during an election year could exacerbate tensions, making it easier for troublemakers to exploit any signs of unrest. The management has identified two prominent illegal mining leaders believed to be behind these attacks and is calling for urgent intervention from government and traditional authorities to restore security and safeguard their operations.
Despite these challenges, the management of Northern Ashanti Mines remains committed to its corporate responsibilities and ongoing cooperation with state agencies to ensure the safety of their personnel and the integrity of their mining operations.
Find full Statement Below:
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, fire arms, 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; 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 government to promote a sustainable legal and properly regulated mining industry where investors are offered a favorable 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 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 that 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 0242407323
Richmond acquay Northern Ashanti Task Force Personnel Manager 0242045475
C/c:
All Media Houses
MCE Asante Akim Central Municipal Assembly
Ashanti Regional Minister
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Minister of Interior
Minister of Defense
