Tension is escalating in parts of the Ahafo-Ano North District of the Ashanti Region over an alleged forceful takeover of a community mining site.
The affected site at Mfante serves as a major source of livelihood for over 5,000 people. However, it has reportedly been seized by individuals claiming to be operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) without proper explanation or identification, leaving many workers stranded.
Residents of the affected communities recently accused executive members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of collaborating with NAIMOS officials in taking over the mining site.
The NDC constituency executives have denied any involvement in the seizure. Addressing the matter at a press conference, Ahafo-Ano North NDC Communications Officer, Akakpo Francis Elikplim, stressed that the party’s executive had no role in the issue and called for swift government intervention to restore normalcy.
“The mining concession has been in the possession of community members for a very long time. It is therefore worrying that some individuals or groups are attempting to take it over under the NDC administration,” he said.
He noted that the livelihoods of many families are at stake and urged authorities to ensure that affected community members, who voted overwhelmingly for the ruling NDC government, are allowed to return to work without further delay.
“During the election, we campaigned here and, for the first time, received a significant number of votes, surpassing the NPP in these mining communities. It is therefore not fair to take away their only means of livelihood,” Mr. Akakpo added.
He appealed to President John Mahama and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to step in and resolve the situation, which has affected several communities, including Mfante, Subriso, Asikam, Numasua, and Fawobotoso.
Mr. Akakpo warned that if authorities fail to act, the constituency executive will collaborate with residents to stage demonstrations against the government.
Displaced workers expressed deep concern about their future, stating they are stranded and uncertain about what lies ahead. They made a passionate appeal to the government for timely and fair intervention, which they say is crucial to preventing further escalation.
