Inaction of security officials encouraging illegal miners

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines Mr. Sulemanu Koney has blamed the inaction of security agencies for the increase in illegal mining activities on the concessions of AngloGold Ashanti, Oware Mines and Peresus Mines.

“Companies such as Owere Mines , AngloGold Ashanti-Obuasi (AGA) Mine and Peresus Mines in Ayanfuri in recent months have seen an escalation of activities of illegal miners on their concessions”, he said in an interview with Citi FM.“We believe that the inaction at Obuasi has indirectly contributed to the invasion of the Owere Mines and nobody knows which company will be next”, he added.

The government withdrew the military from the mine on Tuesday, 2 February, after an initial incursion on 30 and 31 January 2016 by illegal miners.

But AGA in a statement said:"The onus for ensuring safety and security of individuals and property in any country, and therefore restoring safety and security to the site, lies with the authorities," AGA said in a press statement."

Mines in Ghana are protected by the military following a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ghana Army and the Chamber of Mines, on behalf of its members.