A/R: Asuboa chiefs, residents protest alleged illegal mining by Sokoro Investment Limited
Residents, traditional leaders, and local authorities at Asuboa in the Asante Akyem South Municipality in the Ashanti Region have strongly opposed alleged illegal mining operations by Sokoro Investment Limited on community lands.
The aggrieved residents claim the company has been operating secretly without the knowledge or consent of the Omanhene of Asuboa, Baffour Kwaku Ofori II, and other traditional leaders.
The alleged unauthorized operations have sparked widespread outrage, with the community and their Assembly Member demanding that Sokoro Investment immediately cease all activities and vacate the area.
Leading journalists to the suspected mining site on Friday, October 25, 2025, some residents accused the company of invading their lands under the pretext of carrying out legal operations.
They claimed that neither the Asuboa Traditional Council nor the Municipal Assembly had been informed of any officially approved mining activity.
“We don’t want galamsey or any mining activities on our lands. Sokoro Investment Limited should pack their machines and leave immediately. We will not sit down for anyone to destroy our water bodies and farmlands,” one angry resident told reporters.
In response to the growing tension, the Asuboa Traditional Council and community leaders have issued a strong ultimatum to Sokoro Investment Limited, demanding that the company appear before the council by Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to present all legal documents authorizing its operations.
They warned that failure to comply would compel the community to take lawful steps to protect their environment, farmlands, and ancestral heritage.
The Assembly Member and elders of Asuboa emphasized that the community is not opposed to genuine investment and development initiatives but will resist any illegal mining activity that threatens their livelihoods and natural resources.
They appealed to the Asante Akyem South Municipal Assembly, the Minerals Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to swiftly investigate Sokoro Investment Limited’s operations and ensure compliance with environmental and mining regulations.
When contacted, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sokoro Investment Limited, Mr. Alex Osei Kusi, denied the allegations of illegal mining, insisting that his company operates within the law and possesses all necessary permits.
“The work I’m doing is not illegal. I’m ready to submit all my legal documents to the traditional authorities for verification. I respect nananom and the people of Asuboa,” he stated.
Mr. Osei Kusi, however, admitted that the traditional council had not yet granted him full permission to commence operations and assured that his company was open to dialogue and committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities, including land reclamation and community development projects.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
