Miner alleges violent attack over Pameng Mining Concession dispute

A director of Atimax Mining Company Limited, Ibrahim Emmanuel, popularly known as "IB", has alleged that he and his team were attacked by a group of armed men amid an ongoing dispute over a mining concession at Pameng in the Eastern Region.

Speaking to the media, Ibrahim alleged that two individuals identified as David and Mike orchestrated the attack in connection with the disputed concession.

According to him, the dispute dates back to 2024 when Atimax Mining Company Limited conducted an official search at the Minerals Commission.

He claimed that the search indicated the concession had become available after the prospecting licence previously held by Extra Gold Company Limited expired in 2018 and was allegedly not renewed.

Ibrahim said the concession was subsequently allocated to Atimax Mining Company Limited, a development he claimed heightened tensions in the area.

He alleged that despite several attempts to resolve the matter through the appropriate channels, his company has continued to face resistance.

He further claimed that the dispute eventually drew the attention of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who reportedly directed all parties to vacate the concession pending a final determination of the ownership dispute.

Recounting the latest incident, Ibrahim alleged that on June 24, 2026, he and his team were travelling to inspect some of the company's other mining concessions in nearby communities when they were intercepted at Abesim, a community within the enclave.

According to him, a group of men blocked their vehicle and allegedly claimed they had been sent by David and Mike to attack them.

He alleged that following a heated verbal exchange, the group assaulted him and members of his team with machetes and other offensive weapons.

He said they fled the scene to avoid further harm, adding that some of his colleagues sustained injuries, were rescued by residents, and later received treatment at a health facility, while others reported the incident to the police.

Ibrahim also rejected allegations that he was involved in theft, describing the claims as false and malicious.

He maintained that he is well known within the community as a law-abiding person and alleged that the accusations were intended to tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the mining dispute.

He explained that he is one of the directors of Atimax Mining Company Limited, adding that David and Mike are employees of Extra Gold Company Limited.

He appealed to the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged attack and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice. He also vowed to pursue the matter until what he described as the truth is established.

As of the time of filing this report, the individuals named in the allegations had not publicly responded to the claims, and the Ghana Police Service had not issued any official statement regarding arrests or the progress of investigations.

The case is being handled by the Eastern South Regional Police Command in Kyebi, while the dispute over the mining concession remains unresolved.