Two injured, gold worth millions stolen in brazen Northern Ashanti Mines raid
Armed robbers attacked the Konongo Odumase Concession of the Northern Ashanti Mines Co. Ltd. on Monday, September 2, leaving two people seriously injured.
The assailants also stole gold ore worth millions of dollars.
In a statement, the management of the company narrated that the robbers wielded guns, machetes, clubs, bows and arrows and other offensive implements.
The attackers further caused significant damage to three vehicles and other mining installations.
The company has expressed concern over the recurring attacks by armed illegal miners, which it believes could be linked to terror financing in the volatile sub-region.
“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 when 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.
Management has identified two illegal mining kingpins suspected of orchestrating the attacks and has called for immediate government intervention to beef up security.
The company warned that allowing such attacks to continue could have dire consequences, especially during an election year when national security is a prime concern.
The company has urged various government ministries and traditional authorities to take action to protect its operations.
Find the 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.
Emmanuel Banda
Northern Ashanti Task Force Operations Manager
0242407323
Richmond acquaye
Northern Ashanti Task Force Personnel Manager
0242045475
C/c:
All Media Houses
MCE Asante Akim Central Municipal Assembly
Ashanti Regional Minister
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Minister of Interior
Minister of Defense