W/R:AMENFI CENTRAL MP CALLS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION FOLLOWING REPORTED KILLINGS, MINING VIOLENCE
The Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central in the Western Region, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has called on the government and security agencies to take immediate steps to address reported killings and violent confrontations linked to small-scale mining activities in the constituency.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the MP expressed grave concern over reports of shootings, loss of lives, destruction of mining equipment and the burning of excavators in some communities within the constituency.
She indicated that the disturbances, which have allegedly persisted for about two weeks, have heightened tension and created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among miners and residents.
According to Mrs Gyan Cudjoe, information reaching her suggests that seven people have reportedly been killed in the recent clashes, with another violent incident occurring on Wednesday. She, however, noted that the actual number of casualties had not yet been independently confirmed.
The MP said there were conflicting reports about the identities of the security personnel and other individuals allegedly involved in the operations, with references to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the military, the Ghana Police Service and the Immigration Service.
She further expressed concern over allegations that some individuals had been extorting money from small-scale miners, with violence reportedly following their refusal to make the demanded payments.
Mrs Gyan Cudjoe is therefore demanding an independent and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
She appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministers responsible for the Interior and Defence, the Inspector-General of Police, National Security and the military high command to urgently coordinate interventions to restore peace and security in the constituency.
She stressed that immediate protection must be provided for residents, miners and business operators, revealing that some families were reportedly living in fear, while others had allegedly fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
The MP also called for urgent medical attention for injured victims and appropriate support for families who have lost loved ones.
While acknowledging the importance of enforcing Ghana's mining laws and safeguarding the environment, she maintained that efforts to combat illegal mining must be carried out within the confines of the law.
She emphasised that individuals suspected of engaging in illegal activities should be arrested, investigated and prosecuted through established legal procedures rather than subjected to violence.
Mrs Gyan Cudjoe reiterated that her position was not intended to defend illegal mining but to promote responsible mining, environmental protection and lawful enforcement.
She further cautioned that disagreements over gold resources or mining concessions should never become a justification for taking human lives.
The MP also raised concerns about suggestions that certain individuals might be exploiting the situation to advance personal interests or damage the political image of leaders in the constituency. However, she acknowledged that the identities and motives of those allegedly behind the incidents remained unclear.
She urged anyone involved in sponsoring, financing or facilitating the violence to immediately desist, insisting that human lives must not be sacrificed over political differences, personal ambitions or mining-related disputes.
Mrs Gyan Cudjoe also appealed to the national, regional and constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to support initiatives aimed at restoring calm and preventing further violence.
She called on traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to collaborate with security agencies in promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting lives and property.
The MP equally urged small-scale miners to exercise restraint, avoid confrontations and prioritise their personal safety while the relevant authorities work to resolve the situation.
She observed that Amenfi Central should be concentrating on development and economic progress rather than being engulfed by violence and insecurity, adding that residents deserve to go about their daily activities without fear.
Describing the situation as deeply troubling, Mrs Gyan Cudjoe stressed that the constituency must not be allowed to become a centre of bloodshed and destruction.
She extended her sympathies to families affected by the reported killings and called for justice for the victims, proper medical care for the injured and sustainable measures to restore lasting peace.
The Amenfi Central legislator concluded by appealing to the government to intervene without delay to prevent further casualties.
“Please save Amenfi Central before we lose more lives,” she appealed.
Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare
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