E/R:Tensions Erupt in Akyem Juaso as Youth Clash with Mining Company

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Irate youth of Akyem Juaso in the Fanteakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region on Monday, September 1, 2025, vandalized a bus belonging to Kibi Goldfields Limited, operators of a mining concession in the community.


According to the Mining Manager, Mr. Samuel Tei Agyeman, the unrest began when youth in the town blocked his vehicle, accusing the company of being behind a military operation that allegedly destroyed their mining equipment the previous Friday. Mr. Agyeman said he advised the youth leaders to seek dialogue at his office, but they failed to turn up. Instead, another company bus transporting workers was later attacked and vandalized, forcing its driver to flee.


Mr. Agyeman denied claims that the company released land to the youth for mining, stressing that their activities constituted illegal mining (galamsey). He said he can confirm that the traditional leaders have sent letters requesting for part of the company's land to mine but the company has not reached a decision yet. He explained that the military only intervened because the youth ignored repeated warnings to stop their operations. He added that the matter has been reported to the Kibi Divisional Police Command but no arrests have been made so far. He has since called on government and security agencies to ensure peace and order in the community.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of Akyem Juaso, Mr. Christian Adom, attributed the agitation to unemployment. He stated that Kibi Goldfields was welcomed into the community with the understanding that it would employ local youth, but the company allegedly failed to honour that promise. As a result, many young people resorted to small-scale mining to survive. Mr. Adom also accused the company of ignoring invitations to the chief’s palace and bringing military personnel to “terrorize” the community.

While condemning the youth’s violent actions, he urged Kibi Goldfields to engage the community properly to ensure peaceful coexistence. He further accused the company of diverting the local river for mining operations, polluting their source of drinking water.



The matter, he noted, has already been reported to the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey, and the area’s Member of Parliament, Hon. Duke Ofori-Atta, for redress.

Some residents, in interviews, lamented that their livelihoods and markets have been destroyed, while crime has increased due to the mining activities. They appealed for urgent dialogue between the company and the community to resolve the impasse.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare

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