A traditional ruler, Okogyeafo Barima I of the Aboso community in the Amenfi East Municipality, has accused a leading member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), identified only as Mr Rivers, of allegedly taking over his legally acquired mining concession.

According to Okogyeafo Barima I, Mr Rivers has been operating on his concession without lawful allocation or adherence to due process. He described the situation as a blatant act of injustice and an abuse of power, lamenting that several petitions to the relevant authorities have so far yielded no results.

He alleged that Mr. Rivers has been engaged in mining activities for a long time without proper authorization and has also been subleasing portions of the concession to other miners, including foreign operators, in exchange for gold and cash.

“The local communities have become worried about the way and manner Mr. Rivers operates. They do not benefit from the mining activities, and this has been causing tension and conflicts in the area,” Okogyeafo Barima I stated.

He further claimed that the said Mr. Rivers is involved in questionable transactions with some Chinese firms over mineral concessions granted under dubious circumstances.

Okogyeafo Barima I emphasized that his own mining operations are duly registered and compliant with Ghana’s mining laws and regulations.

He called on the government and regulatory agencies to intervene and ensure that fairness and transparency prevail in the sector.

He also urged Parliament and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to expedite efforts to review and strengthen the Minerals and Mining Act to curb the growing incidents of concession takeovers and promote responsible mining practices in Ghana.