By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Kumasi, Nov. 07, GNA – Assembly Members of the Asante Akim Central Municipal Assembly have called for urgent dialogue between the government and Northern Ashanti Mines Limited to resolve the issues surrounding the company’s mining lease.
They say the possible termination of the company’s lease, without a satisfactory alternative arrangement, could jeopardise employment opportunities, worsen economic hardship and threaten the peace and stability that have supported development in the area.
The mine was shut down on October 22, 2026, following an operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) over outstanding payments owed to the Minerals Commission.
The Assembly Members, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and relevant state institutions to engage the mining company and find a mutually beneficial solution.
They described Northern Ashanti Mines as a major corporate partner whose contributions over the past decade had extended beyond mining operations to employment creation, community support and other development interventions.
According to them, the company provides employment for many young people in the municipality, helping them earn livelihoods and reducing unemployment and its associated social challenges.
They cautioned that any decision to terminate the lease must take into account the welfare of workers and the wider economic interests of the municipality.
While acknowledging the importance of responsible mining, accountability and compliance with mining regulations, the Assembly Members insisted that the matter should be resolved through consultation rather than decisions that could undermine the livelihoods of residents.
They also expressed concern about any arrangement that would replace the existing company with another without adequate consultation and firm assurances on local employment and community development.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Members have praised Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, the Municipal Chief Executive, for what they described as significant development achievements within less than two years in office.
They said his administration had facilitated the construction of more than 38 boreholes, established two CHPS compounds and a health centre, and undertaken several educational infrastructure interventions, including a STEM school.
They described the MCE as an approachable and development-oriented leader who had demonstrated commitment to improving living conditions through collaboration with Assembly Members and other stakeholders.
The Assembly Members also highlighted the prevailing peace and security in the municipality, saying the cordial working relationships fostered by the MCE had created an enabling environment for investment, economic activities and development.
They commended President Mahama for appointing Dr. Aidoo and urged him to recognise the MCE’s performance and commitment to the municipality.
The Assembly Members said the preservation of the municipality’s development gains required a deliberate effort to protect employment, economic opportunities and the partnerships that contributed to residents’ welfare.
They maintained that resolving the Northern Ashanti Mines issue amicably was critical to sustaining the municipality’s development aspirations.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim
Email address: [email protected]