In a strong demonstration of community solidarity, the traditional authorities of Juansa and Konongo have voiced deep satisfaction with the government’s decision to revoke the operational licence of North Ashanti Mines within their jurisdiction.
The Chiefs commended the regulatory intervention as a crucial public-spirited measure that prioritizes environmental safety, community health, and long-term socio-economic development over irresponsible mining practices.
Endorsement:
Speaking to journalists, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, Mennamhene and official spokesperson for the Juansa Paramount Chief alongside Nana Dr. Awuah Abedimasa II, Chief of Konongo, affirmed that both traditional councils fully support the government’s decision.
“The government rightly recognized that the operations of this mining entity were yielding no tangible benefit to our people,” Nana Bempah stated. ”
He added, “Following rigorous, evidence-based assessments by key regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission, the state took the necessary step to revoke the company’s operational mandate.”
Adding to these remarks, Nana Dr. Awuah Abedimasa II highlighted that performance indicators from the Minerals Commission showed the company was operating well below expected standards, failing to extract gold efficiently while causing unnecessary community disruption and severe land degradation.
“I am confident that the government, through the Minerals Commission, acted in the best interest of our people. We remain hopeful that subsequent steps will be handled with equal transparency,” Nana Abedimasa II noted.
Stakeholder Engagement:
The Chiefs praised the government’s transparent approach, specifically acknowledging its efforts to directly brief traditional leaders and commit to inclusive dialogue going forward.
They emphasized that involving indigenous leadership in future resource negotiations is essential to maintaining local harmony and building public support for legitimate development across the broader Asante Akyem enclave.
“We are immensely gratified that the government engaged us directly throughout this critical process,” the leaders noted.
They added, “Its explicit commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the Asante Akyem population is both reassuring and commendable.”
Environmental Integrity:
Stressing the fundamental responsibilities of natural resource extraction, the Chiefs insisted that any future commercial mining venture must deliver real public value while adhering strictly to non-negotiable health, safety, and environmental standards.
“The energetic youth of our community are eager to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the modern development Juansa and Konongo desperately needed,” the Chiefs added.
They added, “Our people stand ready to welcome and support any legitimate initiative that respects our land and invests in our future.”
Background
The traditional councils’ endorsement follows the government’s formal termination of North Ashanti Mines’ licence, a decision that initially drew swift pushback and public disappointment from the company.
Despite the firm’s reaction, local leaders remain firm in their stance, viewing the regulatory crackdown as a major triumph for environmental oversight and community-centered development.
Article By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
