Residents of Nsuapemso in the Fanteakwa South District of Ghana's Eastern Region were thrown into fear and panic on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after gunshots reportedly rang out during a security operation at the offices of Nawara Mining Company. Personnel from the National Security, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghana Police Service stormed the company's office to arrest its Managing Director, Accountant, and other staff.
Two persons sustained injuries during the incident, and the arrested persons were subsequently taken to the Eastern South Regional Police Command for further investigation. The Queenmother of Nsuapemso, Obaapayin Kyerewaa I, expressed concern over growing insecurity linked to mining activities in the area, stating that the sound of gunfire sent residents scrambling for safety, with several people forced to remain indoors while the operation was underway.
The incident is the latest development in an escalating dispute over control of the mining concession involving Nawara Mining Company and CMS & A&A PRO Mining Company, which is managing the revoked Nawara mining concession. Nawara Mining Company claims its concession was taken over despite a court injunction issued on February 19, 2026, allowing it to continue operating while the underlying dispute was being determined.
Nawara Mining Company has alleged that armed personnel and civilians previously entered its mining site, seized equipment and gold-bearing materials, and damaged or destroyed parts of its mining infrastructure. The company petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate an alleged raid on August 12, including allegations of a death, gunshot injuries, destruction of mining equipment, and the seizure of gold and gold concentrate valued at more than GH¢100 million.
The dispute has involved Nawara's mining lease, an earlier administrative termination, subsequent court proceedings, and competing claims over the right to operate the concession. Nawara Mining Company says it has held the concession since 2011 and that its mining lease was renewed in 2020, remaining valid until 2029.
The latest security operation and arrests have heightened concerns among residents as the dispute over the concession continues. The incident is expected to add to tensions over control of the large-scale gold-mining concession in the Akyem Hemang/Nsuapemso area of the Fanteakwa South District.
The situation remains volatile, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting a resolution to the dispute. All parties involved have been urged to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has already resulted in injuries and significant financial losses.
Key points
- Two people were injured during the security operation at Nawara Mining Company's office.
- The dispute over the mining concession involves Nawara Mining Company and CMS & A&A PRO Mining Company.
- Nawara Mining Company's concession was reportedly taken over despite a court injunction.
