Chiefs from the Nifa and Adonten Divisions of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in a dispute over the historic Fischer Mining Concession, following allegations that a mining company has entered the area with military personnel without consulting traditional authorities.
The chiefs have given CMS Pro-AA Southern Industries, a company alleged to have links with the President’s brother, Alfred Mahama, one week to vacate the concession while calling for dialogue to prevent tensions from escalating.
Addressing a press conference at the forecourt of the Akyem Ettokrom Palace, the Chief of Akyem Ettokrom, Barimah Etto Adomako III, expressed concern over the reported deployment of soldiers to the concession, which he said had created fear among residents and disrupted farming activities.
He maintained that the traditional authorities were not opposed to lawful investment or mining activities but insisted that due process, transparency and proper engagement with landowners must be respected.
The chiefs said they were counting on President Mahama’s intervention to facilitate an amicable settlement involving government, traditional authorities and other interested parties before the expiration of the ultimatum.
Dispute Over Historic Concession
Providing background to the controversy, Barimah Etto Adomako III traced the ownership history of the land to 1907, when his predecessors documented the stool lands under the title Biremso.
He explained that part of the land was subsequently leased to Fischer Rubber Plantation for 100 years.
According to him, the lease has expired, leaving the Ettokrom Stool to determine whether to renew or revoke the arrangement.
The situation reportedly became complicated after the Minerals Commission revoked the mining licence of Narawa Mining Company over alleged indebtedness.
The chiefs said they were therefore surprised by reports that CMS Pro-AA Southern Industries had entered the concession with military personnel, despite the unresolved questions surrounding the land and its mining rights.
They questioned the company’s legal authority to operate within the concession and demanded clarification of its intended activities.
Chiefs Challenge Claims of Consultation
Barimah Adomako III disputed claims that CMS Pro-AA Southern Industries had engaged traditional authorities before entering the area.
He also rejected suggestions that the company’s presence was solely intended to support efforts to combat illegal mining.
According to him, none of the chiefs present at the press conference had been formally consulted about the company’s activities.
He questioned whether CMS Pro-AA Southern Industries intended to undertake mining operations, settle Narawa Mining Company’s outstanding indebtedness to the Minerals Commission or assume control of the concession.
The chief said requests for relevant documentation establishing the company’s authority to operate in the area had not been satisfactorily addressed.
He further alleged that military personnel deployed to the concession had begun erecting structures believed to be intended for a camp, raising additional concerns among residents.
Military Presence Raises Concerns
The Chief of Akyem Abompe, Barimah Kwabena Addo II, also expressed concern over the military presence, describing it as alarming.
He argued that there was no communal conflict or security situation in the area that warranted the deployment of armed military personnel.
Barimah Addo II called for the rule of law to prevail, stressing that disputes over land and mining rights must be resolved through established legal and administrative procedures.
The chiefs indicated that the Eastern South Regional Police Command had been formally notified of the situation.
They warned that the continued presence of military personnel without adequate explanation or engagement could undermine public confidence and heighten tensions within the affected communities.
Appeal for Presidential Intervention
Despite issuing a one-week ultimatum, the traditional leaders emphasised that their objective was to secure a peaceful resolution rather than provoke confrontation.
They appealed to President Mahama to intervene and ensure that the concerns of the traditional authorities were addressed through dialogue and due process.
The chiefs maintained that the rights of landowners, the welfare of residents and the preservation of peace must remain central to any decision concerning the concession.
They also called for clarification of the legal and regulatory arrangements governing the concession, including the status of the expired lease and the reported revocation of Narawa Mining Company’s licence.
The traditional authorities expressed hope that the government would facilitate discussions among the relevant parties to prevent further escalation.
The allegations concerning CMS Pro-AA Southern Industries’ activities, its reported links to Alfred Mahama and the purpose of the military deployment have not been independently established. No response from the company, the Minerals Commission or the military was included in the chiefs’ account.
