Parliament has vowed to intensify pressure on authorities to crack down on illegal mining, following alarming reports of encroachment on licenced concessions – including Newmont’s Ahafo South Mine where growing insecurity is threatening lives, livelihoods and investor confidence.
The assurance came after a heartfelt plea from the General Manager of Newmont Ahafo South Mine, Alex Anin, who raised the alarm during a recent visit by lawmakers. “We need a lot of support from parliament,” he said, lamenting the increasing incursions by illegal miners onto their operational lands.
At least three people have died in violent confrontations between illegal miners and security personnel over the past six months, with property damage estimated in the millions of Ghana cedis.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has warned that the situation could dampen future investment in the country’s mining sector if left unchecked.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, said parliament will not relent in its efforts to spotlight the issue until concrete action is taken.
“As you may be aware, parliament can only bring attention to concerns about illegal mining activities. However, addressing these issues falls under the ministry’s purview; we can only escalate the matter,” he told reporters during the Committee’s two-day visit to Newmont’s operations in Ahafo Region.
The Parliamentary Select Committee’s Chairman also called for tougher enforcement measures, including a dedicated military presence in illegal mining hotspots.
“Mining directly on riverbeds or within forest reserves is unacceptable. To curb this, I believe we need a permanent military presence in affected areas to deter and prevent illegal activities,” he said.
The visit, facilitated by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, aimed to give lawmakers firsthand insight into the mining sector’s operations and its growing challenges.
The Chamber’s acting CEO, Ahmed Nantogmah, praised Newmont for its transparency and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to closer collaboration with parliament and mining firms to promote a more sustainable, well-regulated mining environment.
Traditional leaders also lent their voice to the call for action. Nana Barimah Twereko Ampem III, president of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs and Omanhene of Ntotroso, commended Newmont’s contributions to regional development and pledged the traditional council’s support in fighting illegal mining.
Newmont Ghana began operations at Ahafo in 2006 and currently runs both surface and underground mines. The Ahafo South mine has produced over 8 million ounces of gold, making it the country’s largest gold-producing asset.
The company’s next big venture, the Ahafo North project – described as the best unmined gold deposit in West Africa – is expected to start commercial production in late 2025. The project will add an estimated 275,000 to 325,000 ounces of gold annually for at least 13 years, with a projected capital investment of up to US$1.05billion.
As Newmont expands its footprint, stakeholders agree that safeguarding licenced mining operations from illegal encroachment is not just about protecting profits – it’s also about ensuring safety, attracting investment and preserving Ghana’s economic future
