Tensions flared in New Abirem as angry constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) allegedly blocked Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, from proceeding with the official launch of the Akyem Kotoku Area Cooperative Mining Scheme (rCOMSDEP).
The event, scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, at the New Abirem Durbar Grounds, was intended to mark a key government initiative under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.
However, according to video footage by JoyNews, the NDC constituency executives expressed strong opposition, preventing the minister and delegation from carrying out the launch as planned.
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In the video, the alleged executives were captured pushing what seems like a metallic box on the road to prevent the minister from entering with his entourage.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama was listed as a special guest, alongside the Eastern Regional Minister and other officials.
The cooperative mining scheme forms part of the government’s broader strategy to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, ensure environmental compliance, build local capacity, and maximise benefits for host communities.
The scheme aims to promote sustainable, community-driven small-scale mining, provide skills training, and offer a regulated alternative to illegal mining (galamsey).
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It follows the discontinuation of previous community mining models and comes amid ongoing national efforts to combat illegal mining.
Watch the video below:
BREAKING NEWS: 🚨🚨
— Gen. Buhari (@Gen_Buhari_) June 8, 2026
Angry Abirem NDC constituency executives block Lands and Natural Resources Minister Armah Kofi Buah who just bought an award for Best Minister from launching cooperative mining scheme. pic.twitter.com/MPoR1rUucN
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