CMS Pro-AA Southern Industry has denied allegations that it forcefully took over the mining concessions of Nawara Mining Company Limited, insisting that its entry into the concessions was lawful and followed the necessary regulatory procedures.

Speaking at a news briefing on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Operations Director of CMS Pro-AA Southern Industry, Tarry Kumi, said the company had completed the required processes with the Minerals Commission and other relevant institutions.

Kumi explained that, at the time of the takeover, Nawara Mining Company's licence had reportedly been revoked by the Minerals Commission and subsequently awarded to CMS Pro-AA Southern Industry.

He maintained that his company's entry into the concessions was based on regulatory decisions rather than a forceful takeover.

According to him, CMS Pro-AA Southern Industry consulted Nawara's management before the takeover.

He added that representatives of Nawara's previous management had taken officials of his company on a tour of the Nsuapemso and Osiem concessions.

Kumi further stated that his company was not engaged in mining operations at the time of the briefing but had entered the concessions to address what he described as existing irregularities.

He added that consultations had been held with Amuda Yussif on three separate occasions before the takeover.

He also dismissed allegations that political influence from the presidency had played a role in the development, specifically rejecting claims linking the takeover to Alfred Mahama, the brother of President John Dramani Mahama.

Kumi further alleged that his company discovered illegal mining activities involving more than 50 excavators upon entering the concessions.

According to him, the excavators were impounded with the assistance of National Security personnel, while those responsible were directed to undertake the reclamation of degraded lands under the supervision of the National Environmental Protection Authority.

Meanwhile, police records relating to violent clashes on October 1, 2026, at the premises of Nawara Mining Company in Nsuapemso, near Osino, indicate that the company's Managing Director, Amuda Yussif Fuseini, 56, and 10 others have been brought before the District Court in Osino.

According to the police records, Fuseini allegedly arranged for individuals, including military personnel and other accomplices, to travel from Accra to provide protection ahead of a scheduled meeting with workers.

The police reportedly alleged that some of the individuals were armed and attacked military officers on duty at the company's entrance.

The accused persons are facing charges including abetment of rioting, rioting with weapons, and abetment of causing damage.

Police records reportedly indicate that weapons and ammunition, including firearms, cartridges, and 14 machetes, were recovered during investigations.

The records further indicate that a related shooting incident occurred later that day in Osino, leaving several people with gunshot and cutlass wounds. Two victims, identified as Elvis Nana Mintah, 21, and another person identified only as Aziz, were reportedly pronounced dead on arrival at the Osino Clinic.

The shooting incident is being investigated by the Eastern South Regional Police Command of the Ghana Police Service.

Commenting on the violence, Kumi alleged that Nawara Mining Company Limited had hired individuals from Accra, Ashaiman, Obuasi, and other areas to attack National Security personnel with firearms and machetes.

He also accused the company's Managing Director of masterminding the incident.

These allegations have not been independently verified, and a response from Nawara Mining Company Limited was not included in the information provided.

Kumi said CMS Pro-AA Southern Industry was engaging stakeholders in communities surrounding the concessions to address concerns through consultation and dialogue.

He urged the public to verify the company's licensing documents at the Minerals Commission and disregard earlier media reports that, according to him, misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the takeover.

The dispute over the mining concessions, the reported revocation and subsequent award of the licence, and the criminal proceedings arising from the clashes remain matters of public interest as investigations continue.

AM

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