Tensions are escalating in the Western Region as residents of Salman and four neighbouring communities in the Nzema East District have formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, over alleged illegal mining activities on concessions held by Adamus Resources Limited.
The petition calls for an urgent investigation into what the residents describe as unlawful mining operations taking place within the company’s concession area, despite the government’s ongoing campaign against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Breaking point
Salman, which is located within the District and lies within the operational zone of the Nzema Gold Project, has long coexisted with large-scale mining activities governed by the Ghana Mining Act.
However, residents say the community is now facing what they describe as a worsening galamsey crisis. According to the petitioners, while government continues to publicly declare a “war on galamsey,” local youth are allegedly being sidelined while more influential actors are allowed to operate without sanctions.
Allegations of corporate complicity
The current tension follows an operation by the Essiama District Police, reportedly sanctioned by the District Chief Executive, Joseph Agyekum, which led to the arrest of five suspected illegal miners.
The situation, however, became more controversial after police reports allegedly indicated that security personnel from Adamus Resources admitted to having a connection with the unauthorised operators.
Residents argue that there is a clear disparity in how mining activities are being handled in the area. They claim that local youth attempting to form legal and regulated mining cooperatives are often confronted with military force and denied access to leases, while unlicensed groups are allegedly allowed to operate on the same lands with the tacit approval of corporate security.
Alleged high-level connection
The petition also raises a high-profile allegation involving Alfred Mahama, who residents claim is acting as a middleman between Adamus Resources and illegal operators at four specific mining sites.
The petitioners say this has raised serious concerns about whether political influence is being used to bypass the provisions of the Mining Act. According to the residents, the youth of Salman are calling on the President to intervene and ensure that the law is applied fairly to all parties.
Environmental and economic impact
Beyond the political concerns, the petition also highlights what residents describe as severe environmental damage caused by the alleged illegal mining activities.
They claim that the Subile and Broma rivers, which serve as major sources of water for the affected communities, have been heavily silted and contaminated. The residents also say local fishing activities, which serve as a vital source of food and livelihood for the Nzema people, have been severely affected.
One-week ultimatum
Addressing the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the area, the residents have outlined three key demands.
They are calling for immediate transparency regarding concession leasing arrangements, an instant halt to all mining activities on the disputed land, and a full investigation into the operations and management of Adamus Resources.
The youth of Salman have also issued a one-week ultimatum to both the government and the mining company. They warn that if a clear and transparent resolution is not provided within that period, the community will take steps to protect the land themselves.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
