Workers of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the ongoing dispute that has resulted in the shutdown of the Konongo mining operation in the Ashanti Region.
The workers are calling on the President to facilitate discussions between the company’s management, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to resolve the outstanding regulatory issues and pave the way for the resumption of mining activities.
The Konongo mine was shut down on October 22, 2026, following an enforcement operation involving the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Minerals Commission.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Northern Ashanti Mines’ Community Relations Officer, Alfred Oduro, said the workers were seeking a peaceful and legally acceptable solution that would protect their jobs without compromising regulatory requirements.
He stressed that the appeal was not intended to encourage the government to overlook concerns raised by the Minerals Commission but rather to ensure that all outstanding issues were resolved through constructive engagement.
According to Mr Oduro, the workers believe there is room for an amicable settlement that would allow mining operations to resume while the necessary regulatory processes continue.
Workers Want Mahama to Bring Mining Authorities and Management Together
Mr Oduro explained that the workers’ petition was aimed at getting President Mahama to bring the relevant government institutions and Northern Ashanti Mines management together to agree on a sustainable solution.
He said the discussions should consider the possibility of relocating the mining operation, where necessary, while ensuring that the regulatory concerns raised by the Minerals Commission are adequately addressed.
The workers believe that direct presidential intervention could help resolve the disagreement, prevent further delays and create a pathway for the affected mine to resume operations in compliance with Ghana’s mining regulations.
Konongo Mine Shutdown Raises Job Security Concerns
The workers have expressed concern that a prolonged closure of the Konongo mine could threaten their employment, household incomes and the economic wellbeing of their dependants.
They warned that continued suspension of mining activities could create financial difficulties for employees and families who depend on the mine for their livelihoods.
Mr Oduro said the workforce remained hopeful that ongoing discussions and legal processes would eventually lead to a resolution.
He disclosed that management had been providing employees with updates on the legal matters surrounding the shutdown and other efforts being undertaken to restore the mine’s operations.
The company has also encouraged workers to remain patient while management continues engaging the relevant authorities and pursuing available legal options.
Workers Remain Hopeful Over Resumption of Mining Activities
The Community Relations Officer reiterated that the workers were waiting for a positive outcome from ongoing engagements and legal proceedings.
He maintained that their primary objective was to secure a resolution that would protect employment, address regulatory concerns and allow Northern Ashanti Mines to return to full operation.
The appeal to President Mahama comes amid continued attention on mining regulation and efforts by government agencies to enforce compliance within Ghana’s mining industry.
The workers are hopeful that government intervention will help settle the dispute and restore operations at the Konongo mine without undermining the country’s regulatory framework for responsible mining.
Source: newsthemegh.com