Asantehene Decries Illegal Mining on His Gold Concession

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has raised concerns over illegal mining activities taking place on a gold prospecting concession granted to him, expressing surprise that unauthorized miners had taken over the land without his knowledge.

Speaking at the Manhyia Palace on February 14, 2025, during a visit by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Asantehene questioned who was responsible for the environmental destruction caused by the mining operations, which have severely affected the Tano River.

> “I have heard that the concession Ayisi [former Minerals Commission CEO] granted me has been overrun by illegal miners. But I don’t even know the place,” he lamented.

Bodukwan Holding Under Scrutiny

His comments have put Bodukwan Holding Company Limited, the entity holding the concession, under the spotlight. Investigations by The Fourth Estate reveal that despite only holding a prospecting license, large-scale mining has occurred on the site, raising legal and environmental concerns.

Bodukwan Holding received a three-year prospecting license in December 2023 to explore for gold in Moseaso, Odumase in the Western Region. However, satellite imagery suggests widespread mining activities, despite the fact that a prospecting license does not permit mining.

Additionally, the company reportedly lacks key regulatory approvals, such as:

An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit

A Water Use Permit from the Water Resources Commission (WRC)

An operating permit from the Minerals Commission

These omissions raise questions about compliance with Ghana’s mining regulations, which prohibit mining in sensitive areas, particularly near water bodies.

Ownership Links to Manhyia Palace

Corporate records show that Bodukwan Holding has ties to the Manhyia Palace. Its beneficial owner, Nana Duah Bonsu, is a co-director alongside:

Mujeeb Rahman Ahmed, a lawyer for Manhyia Palace

Lady Julia (Julia Ama Adwapa Amaning), wife of the Asantehene

Despite these links, Rahman Ahmed denied any involvement in illegal mining, stating:

> “If someone is mining in our name, it is wrong. We are not aware of it.”

Who Is Responsible?

Environmental experts argue that companies granted mining concessions have a legal duty to prevent illegal activities on their land. Kwaku Afriyie, Technical Director of WACAM, believes that if mining is occurring on a prospecting-only concession, then Bodukwan Holding is in breach of the law.

Similarly, Sandow Ali, Director of Mining at the EPA, emphasized that obtaining a ministerial license alone does not authorize mining. Companies must secure:

1. A license from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources

2. An EPA permit

3. An operating permit from the Minerals Commission

4. A water use permit from the WRC

Without these, any mining activity is illegal.

Will the Government Take Action?

With evidence of mining activity on Bodukwan’s concession and regulatory violations, the question remains: Will the government intervene?

The Asantehene’s public frustration highlights the growing challenge of illegal mining, even on high-profile concessions. Whether authorities will act decisively to address the issue remains to be seen.