Armed bandits raid Northern Ashanti Mines, injuring two and stealing Gold worth millions

A violent armed attack has rocked the Konongo Odumase concession of Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd., leaving two employees seriously injured and resulting in the theft of gold ore valued at millions of dollars. The attack, which occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, in the Asante Akim Central Municipality, involved heavily armed thugs who caused significant damage to the company’s property.

The bandits, wielding firearms, machetes, clubs, bows, arrows, and other weapons, stormed the concession, inflicting severe damage to the company’s assets, including three vehicles and key mining installations. The company has condemned the attack, describing it as part of a worrying trend of repeated assaults by illegal miners in the region.

In a press statement, Northern Ashanti Mines expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of these attacks, noting that this incident is not isolated but part of a series of assaults that have plagued the company. The statement revealed that the mine’s management has been in ongoing discussions with local security authorities, including the Municipal Security Council, to address these threats, but to no avail.

“Management of the mine has held several meetings with the Municipal Security Council, headed by the MCE for Asante Akyem Central, the latest of which concerned another attack that the mine suffered less than three months ago,” the statement read.

Northern Ashanti Mines emphasized that such recurrent attacks undermine the government’s efforts to promote a sustainable, legal, and well-regulated mining industry. The company stressed the importance of providing a secure environment for investors to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

The statement also highlighted the broader implications of such violence, particularly in the context of Ghana’s upcoming elections. The company warned that these attacks could destabilize the region, especially in an election year where national peace and security are of paramount concern.

“We are fully aware of the threats of terrorism in the sub-region and the tendency for radical elements to exploit community thugs to raid mines, financing their activities and further destabilizing an already volatile region where Ghana faces significant threats,” the statement cautioned.

The company also raised concerns that proceeds from the stolen gold could be used to fund terror activities, exacerbating security risks in the area. The management identified two notorious illegal mining kingpins believed to be orchestrating these attacks and called for immediate intervention from government ministries and traditional authorities to restore security and protect the mine’s operations.

Despite the ongoing threats, Northern Ashanti Mines reaffirmed its commitment to corporate responsibility and collaboration with state agencies to ensure the safety of its staff and the integrity of its operations.

The company concluded by urging relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, to provide adequate security guarantees to protect the mine and its employees.

As a company that has consistently met its obligations in terms of taxes, royalties, and contributions to the local community, Northern Ashanti Mines expressed its readiness to work with all stakeholders to restore peace and order in Konongo Odumase, safeguarding the lives of its staff and the future of its operations.

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