Illegal Miners seize licensed concession at Obuasi-Anyankyirem
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A legally registered mining company in Obuasi is on the verge of collapse after its concession at Anyankyirem was forcibly taken over by illegal miners.
Mining and Construction Services, operators of what was projected to be the second-largest mine in the Adansi enclave of the Ashanti Region, says the invasion has stalled operations and is causing heavy financial losses.
Managing Director Andy Amoah disclosed that investors are losing thousands of dollars daily as illegal miners operate with impunity.
“They mine in broad daylight, destroying the land while lawful businesses are pushed out. We have followed every environmental and legal requirement, yet no one seems able to protect us. The state must safeguard its investors,” he lamented.
The company, which secured its concession in 2020, has invested more than GH₵168 million in exploration and pre-production works, with plans for large-scale underground mining. The mine is estimated to produce 100,000 ounces of gold over 13 years.
But since May 2025, more than 200 acres of the concession have been seized by illegal miners.
The invaders, allegedly led by Obuasi East NDC Vice Chairman Alhaji Zamba, insist the land was released to the community under the previous John Mahama administration.
Excavators and hand-dug trenches now dominate the site, causing environmental damage.
Although National Security operatives confirmed the company’s licenses and authorized it to mine, the illegal miners have refused to vacate the concession.
Meanwhile, Obuasi West Municipal Chief Executive Faustilove Appiah Kannin has denied knowledge of the development but has invited assembly members to file a formal complaint for investigations.
The standoff threatens not only millions of dollars in investments but also the future of regulated, sustainable mining in the Ashanti Region.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
