Asante Akyim traditional authorities welcome termination of Northern Ashanti Mines’ lease

Traditional authorities in the Asante Akim districts of the Ashanti Region have welcomed the Minerals Commission’s decision to terminate the mining lease of Northern Ashanti Mines.

The traditional authorities described the move as a step towards protecting the environment, farmlands and livelihoods of residents.

The authorities said the decision is in the best interest in the chiefs and people of the area.

They have, however, expressed their readiness to welcome mining companies committed to responsible mining, environmental protection and employment opportunities for the youth.

The Minerals Commission, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, stormed Northern Ashanti Mines’ concession at Konongo with military personnel to enforce the termination of the company’s mining lease over alleged breaches that it had reportedly failed to remedy.

The Commission said the action was undertaken in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), and the terms of the agreements with the company.

According to the Commission, Northern Ashanti Mines had failed to pay outstanding Annual Mineral Right fees amounting to US$8.33 million for its mining leases covering the period from 2010 to 2025, as well as US$49,928 for prospecting licences covering 2019 to 2025.

It said notices were issued to the company on April 14, 2025, directing it to remedy the breaches by settling the outstanding amounts within a stipulated period, but the company failed to comply.

Speaking to the media, the Chief of Mennam, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, speaking on behalf of Juasa Traditional Council said the termination of the lease would help safeguard the community’s natural resources and economic activities.

“The halt in Northern Ashanti Mines’ operations will save our water bodies, farmlands and the livelihoods of our people,” he said.

Asked whether the traditional authorities would welcome another mining company into the area, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah answered in the affirmative.

He disclosed that a Ghanaian mining firm, had expressed interest in undertaking mining activities in the area.

The chief said discussions were underway with the company, which he indicated had the necessary leasing and mining permits, to establish mutually beneficial arrangements.

The chief explained that the traditional authorities were prepared to engage the prospective mining company to ensure that its operations would contribute meaningfully to the development of Mennam and surrounding communities.

He said the negotiations would focus on protecting the interests of residents while establishing clear expectations for the company’s activities.

Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah stressed that responsible mining, employment for local youth and environmental protection remained the community’s major concerns.

He warned against mining companies allowing portions of their concessions to be leased to illegal operators, popularly known as galamseyers, whose activities could damage water bodies, destroy farmlands and undermine the livelihoods of residents.

“What we want is responsible mining that will create jobs for our youth, protect the environment and bring development to our communities. We will not tolerate a situation where concessions are given to illegal miners,” he stated, adding that mining companies must also fulfil their corporate social responsibility obligations to the people.

The chief assured any prospective mining firm of the traditional authorities’ full support if it complied with the agreements to be reached with the community.

He also assured residents that the negotiations would be conducted with their interests in mind, expressing optimism that a mutually beneficial arrangement could be reached to promote employment, environmental protection and development in the area.

“We are committed to negotiations that will benefit the traditional authorities, the youth and the mining company. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that any mining activity in the area brings meaningful development without destroying our environment,” Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah added.

The chief of Konongo, Nana Dr Awuah Abedimisa II, has also declared his support for the termination of the lease Northern Ashanti Mines Limited, saying their performance was below expectations.

He said the mining firm has not demonstrated enough financial capabilities to operate in the area, and the termination of their lease is in the best of the country.

“On behalf of the people of Konongo I fully support the Minerals Commission of Ghana in the termination of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited. Their operations are below expectation, and have shown enough financial capabilities to mine and help the community,” he stated.

Nana Dr Awuah Abedimisa II called for credible capable mining investors to mine gold in the area which he described as “Konongo Gold belt”.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah