By Eugene Davis
The Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to continuously highlight concerns over the activities of illegal miners encroaching on licensed mining concessions until the issue is fully addressed.
This assurance follows a passionate appeal from Mr. Alex Anin, General Manager of Newmont’s Ahafo South Mine, who raised alarm over the increasing intrusion of illegal miners on their operational lands. He urged Parliament to provide stronger support to curb the menace, stating, “We need a lot of support from Parliament.”
According to the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the recent upsurge in violent confrontations between mining companies and illegal small-scale miners, particularly over the last six months, poses a threat to future investment in Ghana’s mining sector. These clashes have resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals and the destruction of property worth millions of Ghana cedis.
These pressing concerns has prompted the Parliamentary Committee on Lands and Natural Resources to raise the issue in Parliament and engage the sector Minister for urgent intervention.
Speaking to the media after a two-day working visit to Newmont’s Ahafo South and North Mines in Kenyase and Afrisipakrom in the Ahafo Region, Alhaji Dauda explained, “As you may be aware, Parliament can only bring attention to concerns about illegal mining activities. However, addressing these issues falls under the purview of the Ministry—we can only escalate the matter.”
On the broader issue of illegal mining (galamsey), especially in forest reserves and water bodies, the Chairman proposed the deployment of a dedicated military unit. “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 stressed.
Meanwhile, the Acting CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Ahmed Nantogmah, commended Newmont for hosting the Parliamentary Committee, allowing lawmakers firsthand insight into the operations and challenges of the mining sector. He also emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to stronger collaboration with Parliament and mining companies to ensure a sustainable and well-regulated mining environment.
The President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs and Omanhene of Ntotroso, Nana Barimah Twereko Ampem III, acknowledged Newmont’s positive contributions to the development of the area and assured the traditional council’s readiness to combat illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
The Committee’s visit was facilitated by the Ghana Chamber of Mines with the objective of enhancing lawmakers’ understanding of mining operations and challenges on the ground.
About Newmont’s Ahafo operations
Newmont Ghana began commercial production at Ahafo in 2006 and currently operates both surface and underground mines in the Ahafo South area, located approximately 290 km northwest of Accra. In 2018, the company successfully launched the Subika underground mine, delivering higher-grade, lower-cost gold production.
Ahafo South remains Ghana’s largest gold mine, having produced over 8 million ounces to date. The development of the Ahafo North project is expected to significantly boost production, bringing combined annual output to approximately 850,000 ounces of gold.
Ahafo North, considered the best unmined gold deposit in West Africa, holds approximately 3.8 million ounces of reserves and 1.4 million ounces in measured, indicated, and inferred resources. The project comprises four open-pit mines and a standalone processing mill, situated about 30 km from Ahafo South.
Scheduled to commence commercial production in the second half of 2025, Ahafo North is projected to add between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold annually, with all-in sustaining costs ranging from $800 to $900 per ounce in the first five years. Total capital investment is estimated at $950 million to $1.05 billion. The mine is expected to operate for at least 13 years, with potential for extension beyond 2050 under Newmont’s long-term district development strategy.
