Ghana's Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated that the Minerals Commission will ensure proper regulation of mining activities in the country. He emphasized that if any mining firm feels its rights have been violated by the Minerals Commission, it can go to court and seek redress. Kwakye Ofosu's comments come amid allegations of brutalization and intimidation of mining concession owners by state officers.
The allegations were made by Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, who claimed that state officers are brutalizing and intimidating the owners of Narawa Mines despite a court order. Kpebu described the action of the officers as illegal and warned that failure to address the matter will lead to the mention of the names of the officers involved. Another private legal practitioner, Kofi Bentil, expressed concern that Ghana is looking like a failed state, where armed individuals can take over mines and give them to Chinese nationals.
Narawa Company Limited has called on the government and relevant state agencies to urgently intervene in what it describes as a violent takeover of its mining concession. The company reported that armed persons took control of its mining site on August 12, 2026, and that more than two months later, armed civilians and military personnel remained at the concession while mining activities allegedly continued. The takeover has resulted in three deaths and injuries to 10 people, including a police officer.
The company also reported the alleged theft of six excavators, gold, and gold concentrate valued at approximately GH¢100 million, as well as the destruction or theft of industrial plants and equipment estimated at more than US$2 million. Narawa commended the Ghana Police Service for its efforts in investigating the incidents, following the reported arrest of three persons allegedly connected to the events. The company has also raised concerns over an October 1 incident in which two people were killed and six others sustained gunshot injuries.
Narawa questioned the presence of military personnel at the concession and called on the Ghana Armed Forces to clarify their identities, deployment authority, and mandate. The company alleged that about 13 groups of operators, reportedly involving Chinese nationals, were currently undertaking mining activities at the concession. Narawa described the activities as unauthorized and warned that they were rapidly degrading the land.
The company called on the Chief Inspector of Mines, Minerals Commission, National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and relevant environmental authorities to inspect the site, identify the operators, verify their permits, and halt any activities found to be unlawful. Narawa is demanding written explanations from the government and relevant state institutions on the authority behind the armed presence at the concession, the progress of investigations, and the legality of the mining activities currently taking place there.
In response to the situation, Kwakye Ofosu assured that enforcement of regulatory action must not be misconstrued as deliberate government sabotage. He emphasized that no lawlessness will happen under President Mahama and that it will not be tolerated. The Minister's comments aim to address concerns about the regulation of mining activities in Ghana and the need for accountability in the sector.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has assured that regulatory agencies will ensure proper regulation of mining activities in the country.
- The violent takeover of Narawa Mines has resulted in three deaths and injuries to 10 people.
- The company has alleged that unauthorized mining activities involving Chinese nationals are taking place at the concession.
