Ashanti Communities Protest Against Adamus Resources, Demand Access to Mining Concessions
Residents of several communities within the catchment area of Adamus Resources in the Ashanti Region have staged a protest, demanding that portions of the company’s concession be released for community mining.
The demonstration, involving youth from Salma, Akamko, Bamiako and nearby areas, escalated into violence as protesters set fire to the company’s security post and blocked the main entrance to the mine.
Security forces, including the military and police, were deployed to restore calm and prevent further destruction.
Youth cite exclusion and unemployment
Protesters say the company has denied them access to small-scale mining opportunities, worsening unemployment in the area.
One of the demonstrators, Kwaku Anum, alleged that foreign nationals are being granted concessions while local residents are sidelined.
“Foreigners are being leased concessions for alluvial mining, denying local interests,” he said.
“Our communities are denied development, and the youth are also unemployed.”
Call for government intervention
The aggrieved residents have accused the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources of failing to address their concerns and are calling for urgent intervention.
They have specifically appealed to the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to launch a full investigation into the operations of the mining company.
The group is also petitioning President John Dramani Mahama, demanding an independent probe into the matter.
Rising tensions in mining communities
According to the residents, the situation poses a growing security risk within the affected communities, as frustrations over lack of economic opportunities continue to mount.
They insist that granting access to community mining plots would not only reduce tensions but also improve livelihoods in the area.
Authorities are yet to officially respond to the protest, but the incident highlights ongoing tensions between mining companies and host communities over access to resources and development benefits.
