The Konongo Traditional Council has thrown its support behind the government’s decision to revoke the operating licence of Northern Ashanti Mines, describing the move as necessary to address alleged regulatory breaches and concerns over illegal mining activities in the area.
However, the traditional authorities are demanding transparency in the management of the concession and calling for stronger environmental safeguards before any new investor is allowed to take over operations.
The Chief of Konongo, Dr. Nana Awuah Abedimisa II, said the Minerals Commission’s decision was appropriate, particularly amid growing concerns about illegal mining and the need to protect the area’s natural resources.
Speaking in an interview with a local radio station monitored by www.kumasimail.com, he stressed that the traditional authorities supported the revocation but wanted the government to ensure that subsequent decisions concerning the mine were made openly.
“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.
Alleged regulatory breaches justify government action
The government revoked Northern Ashanti Mines’ operating licence on October 22 following a joint operation by police and military personnel at the company’s mining site.
The decision followed allegations of repeated breaches of mining regulations, with particular concern over claims that the company had allowed illegal miners to operate within portions of its concession.
Such allegations raise significant concerns about regulatory compliance, the protection of mineral resources and the responsibility of licensed mining companies to secure their concessions against unauthorised activities.
Mining companies operating in Ghana are expected to comply with the conditions of their licences, applicable mining laws and environmental requirements. They are also responsible for ensuring that their operations do not facilitate illegal mining or undermine the country’s efforts to regulate the extraction of mineral resources.
Allowing unauthorised miners to operate within a licensed concession, if established, would represent a serious failure of operational oversight and could compromise the government’s broader fight against illegal mining.
The joint security operation resulted in mine workers being ordered to vacate the site with immediate effect. Mining activities have since come to a halt, while military personnel remain stationed at the facility.
Chiefs demand a responsible replacement investor
Beyond supporting the revocation, the Konongo Traditional Authority wants the government to ensure that the concession does not remain inactive indefinitely.
Nana Awuah Abedimisa II appealed for a new investor with the technical and financial capacity to operate the mine responsibly, stressing that environmental protection must be a central requirement in any future agreement.
“We need a new firm to operate here with strict environmental protection protocols,” he said.
The call reflects the traditional authorities’ interest in balancing economic development and employment opportunities with the protection of land, water bodies and other natural resources.
They want any prospective investor to demonstrate a clear commitment to responsible mining, environmental rehabilitation and meaningful engagement with the local community.
Traditional authorities raise concerns over consultation
The Meenahene of Juansa, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, also welcomed the Minerals Commission’s decision, but criticised the relationship between the former mining operator and the traditional authorities.
He alleged that Northern Ashanti Mines failed to recognise the traditional authorities’ role as custodians of the land and conducted its operations without adequate engagement.
“The mine never saw us as custodians of the land. Their operation was discreet,” he said.
His comments have renewed calls for mining companies to maintain transparent and constructive relationships with traditional authorities and host communities.
Transparency and accountability must guide next steps
The revocation of Northern Ashanti Mines’ licence highlights the importance of enforcing mining regulations and holding licensed operators accountable for their activities.
Where allegations of regulatory violations are substantiated, the government and relevant regulatory institutions have a responsibility to take appropriate action to protect mineral resources, safeguard communities and uphold the integrity of the mining sector.
However, the process must also be guided by transparency, due process and clear communication with affected stakeholders.
The government is therefore being urged to explain the circumstances surrounding the revocation, clarify the future of the concession and establish stringent conditions for any prospective investor.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
