Armed bandits raid Northern Ashanti Mines; shoot two and loot gold worth millions

The Konongo Odumase Concession of the Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd. has been raided by heavily armed thugs leaving two seriously injured and gold ore worth millions of dollars looted.

The violent armed attack occurred on Monday September 2, 2024 at the company’s mining concession in Konongo Odumase in the Asante Akim Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region

The armed bandits who invaded the concession wielding fire arms, machetes, clubs, bows and arrows and other offensive implements caused significant damage to the company’s property including three vehicles and other mining installations.

The company which has released a press statement on the incident indicates it is deeply concern over the repeated assaults by armed illegal miners, highlighting that this attack was not an isolated incident but part of a troubling trend.

The statement said Northern Ashanti Mines has been actively engaging with local security authorities, including the Municipal Security Council, to address these ongoing threats to no avail.

“Management of the mine has held several meetings with the Municipal Security Council headed by the MCE for Asante Akyim Central; the latest of which concerned another attack that the mine suffered less than three months ago,” the statement read.

“Northern Ashanti Mines finds these recurrent attacks inimical to the quest of government to promote a sustainable legal and properly regulated mining industry where investors are offered a favorable environment to contribute to the growth of the nation,” it emphasized.

The company has emphasized the potential implications of such violence, particularly in light of the upcoming elections in Ghana, where stability is crucial.

The mining firm is also disturbed proceeds of such loots could be used for terror financing in an already volatile sub region where Ghana faces significant threats.

“We are fully aware of the threats of terrorism in the sub-region and the tendency of such radical elements to hide behind community thugs to raid mines to finance their onslaught and cause further instability in an already volatile region where Ghana faces significant threat.”

“It is also crucial to note that allowing such disturbing clashes to happen within an electioneering year where the peace, security and stability of the nation is a prime concern; can have dire consequences especially for miscreants looking for the slight flickers of tension to exploit,” it warned.

The management has identified two illegal mining kingpins believed to be orchestrating these attacks and called for immediate intervention from various government ministries and traditional authorities to restore security and protect their operations.

Managers of the mine have reaffirmed their commitment to corporate responsibility and cooperation with state agencies to ensure the safety of their staff and the integrity of their mining operations

Find full Statement Below:

Armed Attack on Northern Ashanti Mines Concession leaves two badly injured, with gold-ore worth millions looted.

Management of Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd. a duly registered and licensed mining company at Konongo Odumase, in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region has noted with deep concern the incessant attacks of armed illegal miners; on its concession.

On Monday 2nd September, 2024; these bracing bandits invaded our concession for the umpteenth time wielding stones, machetes, clubs, cajoles, fire arms, bows and arrows and other offensive objects.

This horrific raid which occurred amidst the firing of live ammunition resulted in two of our staff sustaining life threatening gunshot wounds; destruction of three vehicles; damage to our buildings and key installations and the looting of ore amounting to several millions of dollars.

Management of the mine has held several meetings with the Municipal Security Council headed by the MCE for Asante Akyim Central; the latest of which concerned another attack that the mine suffered less than three months ago.

Northern Ashanti Mines finds these recurrent attacks inimical to the quest of government to promote a sustainable legal and properly regulated mining industry where investors are offered a favorable environment to contribute to the growth of the nation.

We are fully aware of the threats of terrorism in the sub region and the tendency of such radical elements to hide behind community thugs to raid mines to finance their onslaught and cause further instability in an already volatile region where Ghana faces significant threat.

It is also crucial to note that allowing such disturbing clashes to happen within an electioneering year where the peace, security and stability of the nation is a prime concern; can have dire consequences especially for miscreants looking for the slight flickers of tension to exploit.

Intelligence picked up by management suggests that two notorious illegal mining kingpins in the community are behind the provision of arms and the mobilization of these thugs to continue reigning terror on the concessions of Northern Ashanti Mines.

The mine has demonstrated utmost corporate responsiveness to all our stakeholders and finds it unfortunate that such impunity festers without comprehensive responses from the state to protect the mutual interests of our mines.

A cursory trend analysis shows an increasing risk of armed confrontations which we fear could overwhelm security services and pose further threats to the precious lives of our staff and the continuous operations of the mine.

We are calling on our respected Traditional Authority, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Defense; the Ashanti Regional Minister, and all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies clothed with the mandate to offer us adequate guarantees and security; to promptly come to the aid of Northern Ashanti Mines.

As a company that has not reneged on our taxes, royalties, and other obligations to the community and the state, Management is willing and ready to cooperate with all agencies and stakeholders to restore lasting peace and order in Konongo Odumase as we guard jealously our obligations to Ghana, the lives of our staff and the property of the mines.

TWI NEWS