By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Konongo, Nov. 06, GNA – More than 430 workers of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the circumstances surrounding the closure of the mine and facilitate its reopening to restore their livelihoods.
The workers, who described the shutdown as a major threat to their economic survival and that of their dependants, made the appeal in a petition presented to Dr Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, the Asante Akim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), at the premises of the Municipal Assembly on Friday.
The petition, read by Mr. Alfred Amponsah Oduro, Community Relations Officer of the company, also called on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission and other relevant state institutions to support a lawful and constructive resolution to the situation.
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.
According to the workers, representatives of the authorities who took over the facility directed them to vacate the premises within three hours, leaving many unable to retrieve their personal belongings from their offices and residential bungalows.
They said some employees who were on scheduled breaks at the time of the directive also had their personal effects locked in their rooms and had since been unable to retrieve them.
The workers said the closure had affected more than 430 employees, with thousands of dependants facing uncertainty over their livelihoods, education and general welfare.
They noted that many households depended on their monthly salaries to meet essential obligations, including rent, school fees and healthcare, while businesses and service providers in the host communities had also suffered from the disruption of mining activities.
More than 40 per cent of the company’s workforce, according to the petition, came from the host communities, making the shutdown particularly significant for the local economy.
The workers stressed that they respected the Government’s responsibility to protect the country’s natural resources and enforce mining regulations, but appealed for a compassionate approach that would allow the concerns surrounding the mine to be addressed while exploring lawful opportunities for its reopening.
They disclosed that before the closure, the company had made significant investments towards expanding its operations, including the construction of processing plants, which were expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2027.
The commissioning of the facilities, they said, was expected to improve processing capacity, create additional employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities in the host communities.
The petition also indicated that the company had been stockpiling ore in anticipation of the completion and commissioning of the processing plants, which were expected to support its commercial operations.
The workers said the shutdown had also disrupted ongoing training and graduate development programmes, as well as prospective employment opportunities associated with the planned expansion.
They appealed to traditional authorities, community leaders, organised labour, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to support efforts towards finding an amicable resolution.
The workers said reopening the mine through lawful means would not only restore their jobs but also protect families, sustain local businesses and preserve future employment opportunities for young people.
They urged the relevant authorities to urgently engage stakeholders to address the issues that led to the closure and establish a pathway for the mine to resume operations.
The petitioners expressed hope that the Government would consider their plight and work towards a solution that balanced regulatory compliance with the welfare of affected workers and communities.
Dr Aidoo commended the workers for their peaceful conduct, particularly their decision to express their grievances without resorting to violence, despite the economic difficulties occasioned by the mine’s closure.
He assured them of his commitment to forwarding the petition to President Mahama for consideration, describing him as a listening President who would give attention to their concerns.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim
Email: [email protected]