Northern Ashanti mines demands urgent security measures after repeated armed attacks by illegal miners
The management of Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd has raised serious concerns over the repeated attacks by armed illegal miners on its concession in Konongo Odumase, located within the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The company, a registered and licensed mining entity, reported that armed illegal miners once again invaded its concession on Monday, September 2, 2024.
During the latest attack, the assailants allegedly wielded various weapons, including stones, machetes, clubs, firearms, and bows and arrows.
The violent raid, which involved the firing of live ammunition, resulted in two staff members sustaining life-threatening gunshot injuries.
Additionally, the attackers caused significant damage, including the destruction of three vehicles, damage to buildings and key installations, and the theft of ore valued at several million dollars.
The management of Northern Ashanti Mines revealed that they have held multiple meetings with the Municipal Security Council, chaired by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asante Akyem Central, to address the ongoing attacks, including one that occurred less than three months ago.
In response to the escalating situation, the company has called upon the traditional authority, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ashanti Regional Minister to provide enhanced security measures to protect the mine and its employees.
The management emphasized the urgent need for intervention from relevant government bodies to ensure the safety and security of Northern Ashanti Mines.
