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Illegal miners ordered to vacate Global Ore concessions
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ญ Ghana /Crime & Justice

Illegal miners ordered to vacate Global Ore concessions

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Attorney-General's Office for Ghana's Western and Western North regions affirmed Global (Ghana) Ore Industries Limited's legal right to operate on its mining concessions.
  • Illegal miners on these concessions have been warned of prosecution, with authorities emphasizing that grievances should be addressed through lawful means.
  • Global Ore holds a valid large-scale mining lease and is committed to safety, local content policies, and community development.

Global (Ghana) Ore Industries Limited has been legally affirmed to operate on its mining concessions in Bompieso and Abosso by the Attorney-Generalโ€™s Office for the Western and Western North regions. This declaration serves as a stern warning to any individuals or groups engaging in illegal mining on these legally secured areas, who will face prosecution.

A State Attorney, Kingsley Nana Agyarkum, issued this caution during a meeting in Tarkwa that convened chiefs, community miners, and Global Ore officials. The engagement aimed to clarify mining laws in Ghana and resolve disputes concerning the concessions. Agyarkum stressed that Global Ore possesses a valid large-scale mining lease, has fulfilled all required fee and royalty payments, and is therefore entitled to operate without interference. He urged those with grievances to seek legal remedies rather than resorting to violence, vigilantism, or intimidation.

Francis Annobil, the Western Regional Head of the Minerals Commission, detailed that Global Ore's mining lease is valid for 17 years, commencing December 13, 2024. While two community mining groups in Bompieso received five-year licenses in March 2024, other operators in the vicinity lack valid licenses. Community mining activities have been temporarily suspended pending the implementation of a new cooperative mining regime.

Angela Oboshie Abba, Head of the Attorney-Generalโ€™s Office for the Western and Western North regions, highlighted the meeting as part of broader efforts to enforce the law while safeguarding community interests and combating illegal mining. Joseph Yankson Forbah Jnr, General Manager of Global Ore, pledged the company's adherence to safety standards, the government's local content policy, and its commitment to fostering community development through opportunities for local businesses and professionals.

If anyone has a grievance, the appropriate remedy is to seek redress through lawful means, not violence.

โ€” Kingsley Nana AgyarkumA State Attorney warning community miners against vigilantism and intimidation during a meeting about mining concessions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.