Mining: Enforcement of regulatory action must not be misconstrued as deliberate govt sabotage - Kwakye Ofosu
He said if anyone feels he has been unfairly treated, the law courts are there for redress.
Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that regulatory authorities, such as the Minerals Commission, have the legal right to enforce rules. He cautioned against viewing such actions as deliberate government sabotage. If individuals believe they have been treated unfairly, they should seek recourse through the legal system.
President Mahama assures that lawlessness will not be tolerated, as stated in the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, October 31. Prior to his remarks, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu alleged that state officers were brutalizing and intimidating the owners of Narawa Mines, despite a court order. Kpebu described the actions as illegal, but refrained from naming the officials, stating a scheduled meeting would address the issue.
Another legal practitioner, Kofi Bentil, expressed concern that Ghana resembled a failed state, with bandits taking over mines and handing them to Chinese investors. A mining company, Narawa Company Limited, demanded urgent intervention by the government and relevant agencies. They claimed armed individuals took control of the mine on August 12, 2026, and have been occupying it, along with alleged murders, robberies, property damage, and ongoing illegal mining.
Three deaths and injuries to 10 people, including a police officer, occurred between August 12 and October 7. The company also reported the theft of six excavators, gold, and equipment worth over GH¢100 million. Narawa praised the Ghana Police Service's efforts in investigating the incidents but called for a thorough investigation into an October 1 event where two people died and six were injured, allegedly during security recruitment interviews.
They questioned the presence of military personnel and wanted an impartial inquiry. Narawa also challenged the legality of the mining activities ongoing at the concession, including alleged Chinese operators without permits. The company urged the Chief Inspector of Mines, Minerals Commission, and environmental authorities to inspect the site, identify unauthorized operators, and halt unlawful activities.
Narawa demanded written explanations regarding the government's authority behind the armed presence and the progress of investigations into the ongoing issues.
Written by urgent.news from 3News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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