Narawa Company Limited has called for an independent investigation into who authorised the alleged armed takeover of its Osiem and Nsutam mining concessions, following reports of killings, destruction of property and continued mining activities at the sites.
The company is demanding urgent state intervention to establish the authority under which the takeover occurred and determine who is responsible for the subsequent incidents, which it says left three people dead and 10 others injured between August 12 and October 7, 2026.
In a press release dated October 18, 2026 Narawa alleged that groups of operators, including Chinese nationals, were mining at the concession under the protection of persons identified as military personnel and armed land guards.
The company said reports received by management as of October 13, 2026 indicated that approximately six military personnel, alongside armed civilians, remained at the site.
It has, therefore, asked the Ghana Armed Forces to confirm the identities of the personnel, the authority under which they were deployed and their operational mandate.
Narawa has also called on the Chief Inspector of Mines, the Minerals Commission, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and relevant environmental authorities to inspect the site, verify the permits of the operators and halt any activities found to be unlawful.
The company warned that the reported mining activities were rapidly degrading the land and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable for any damage established.
Questions over authority behind takeover
Narawa has also raised questions about the individuals and companies allegedly involved in entry into its concession. The dispute comes amid Narawa’s challenge to the alleged termination of its Osiem and Nsutam mining leases.
The company disputes the financial assessment and the process followed, saying the amount allegedly owed required reconciliation against documented payments and correspondence.
Narawa maintained that its requests for reconciliation did not amount to accepting the assessment or admitting that the alleged outstanding balance was due.
It said it had pursued legal remedies and obtained provisional measures in an order sealed on February 19, 2026, pending an arbitral determination.
According to the company, the order restrained the Republic from removing it, interfering with its operations or transferring the sites to another party.
Narawa is now questioning how the alleged takeover, continued occupation and reported removal and destruction of its assets are consistent with the protections it says the order provided.
Police investigate reported killings and injuries
Narawa said it had reported the incidents to the Eastern South Regional Police Headquarters at Kibi and welcomed what its management understood had led to three recent arrests associated with the incidents, as reported to the company by October 13.
However, the company acknowledged that the preliminary police account issued on October 1 differed materially from its own account.
It has, consequently, called for an impartial examination of the evidence, including the circumstances surrounding the shootings, weapons recovered and arrests.
The company is also seeking an independent investigation into whether military personnel protected persons implicated in the incidents or obstructed police action. It emphasized that these concerns require investigation and are not established findings against the Ghana Armed Forces.
Narawa is urging the state to protect workers, affected persons, witnesses and surrounding communities, withdraw armed persons whose presence lacks lawful authority, and ensure compliance with applicable court orders.
By Jesse Otoo
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