Residents and opinion leaders of Salma, Akango and surrounding communities in the Ellembelle Municipality of the Western Region have welcomed government’s decision to revoke the mining lease of Adamus Resources, describing the move as long overdue.
The revocation follows recommendations by a committee set up by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to investigate allegations that the mining company was engaged in illegal mining activities. The committee is said to have found evidence to support the claims and subsequently recommended the cancellation of the company’s lease.
At a news conference held at Salma on Tuesday, this week and addressed by Yacoub Abdul Aziz, Assembly Member for Salma Electoral Area, the communities thanked President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for taking what they described as a bold and necessary decision.
They, however, cautioned against any future attempt to restore the company’s lease unless clear guarantees are made that local communities would directly benefit from mining operations.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, one of the opinion leaders said the people were excited after learning through social media reports on Sunday that the company’s licence had been revoked.
According to him, Adamus Resources had operated in the area since 2007, yet the host communities had little to show in terms of development projects and economic benefits.
“We are very happy because the company has been there for years, but there is no meaningful benefit for the catchment communities. I cannot point to even one major project in my area,” he stated.
He appealed to government to hand over the concession to a more responsible investor capable of managing the mine efficiently and ensuring that the people of Salma and neighbouring communities benefit from the natural resources in their area.
A former Assembly Member, Mr Adolf Funguwa, also commended government for listening to the concerns of the affected communities and taking action.
He said the revocation of the lease reflected the wishes of residents at Salma, Akango, Gwale, Nkroful and other nearby communities who had long complained about neglect and lack of opportunities.
Mr Funguwa noted that despite years of mining activity, unemployment remained high among the youth in the catchment areas, with many locals sidelined in recruitment.“A lot of people within the catchment communities remain unemployed. No serious employment has taken place here,” he said.
He stressed that if government should consider bringing in another mining company, negotiations must prioritise employment, community development and equitable sharing of benefits.
“What we are saying is that a new company altogether must come, and the negotiation must be done in a way that benefits all of us,” he added.The residents pledged their full support to government and the Lands Minister in pursuing reforms in the mining sector and ensuring that host communities receive fair returns from mining activities.
Group Disowns ‘Concerned Youth of Nzema
Meanwhile a group calling itself the True Nzema Advocates for the Catchment Areas has dismissed claims made by one Jonas Kabutey on behalf of the so-called “Concerned Youth of Nzema,” describing the association as non-existent and fabricated to serve private interests.
In a rejoinder issued to the media, the group said no recognized body by that name exists within the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Nzema area, insisting that Mr. Kabutey has no mandate to speak for the youth of Nzema.
“The recent statement attributed to Jonas Kabutey, purporting to represent the ‘Concerned Youth of Nzema,’ is misleading and a deliberate fabrication,” the statement said.
According to the group, Mr. Kabutey is not an indigene of Nzema and, therefore, cannot legitimately claim to represent the concerns of local youth.They further stated that Mr. Kabutey, who they described as a social welfare worker transferred to Ellembelle, was using the platform of youth advocacy as a cover to lobby for the company.
The statement maintained that contrary to the narrative being promoted, many young people in Nzema have welcomed government’s decision to revoke the mining licence of Adamus Resources.
According to the group, residents across affected communities view the revocation as a long-overdue corrective measure after years of mining activities that they claim brought little sustainable development or employment opportunities.
“For years, our people have borne the brunt of mining activities with little to show in terms of sustainable development and employment,” the group stated.
They said the revocation presents an opportunity to reset the relationship between mining companies and host communities to ensure greater benefits for landowners and residents.
While supporting calls for dialogue on the future of mining in the area, the group stressed that such engagements must be genuine and free from what it described as the influence of paid agents and fabricated groups.
The statement urged the media, traditional authorities and government to disregard the comments attributed to the “Concerned Youth of Nzema.”
It concluded that the true Nzema youth are prepared for “a new chapter built on truth, transparency and genuine development of our homeland.”
The rejoinder was signed by Siah Gabriel Kwasi of Anwia, Daniel Kwesi Armoh of A.B. Bokazo, Michael Ehomah Agyarko Blay of TelekuBokazo, and Reindolf Appoh (Asanta).
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