Narawa demands state action over alleged killings, looting and illegal mining at concession

Narawa Company Limited has called on the government and relevant state agencies to urgently intervene in what it describes as a violent takeover of its mining concession, involving alleged killings, armed robbery, destruction of property and continuing illegal mining activities.

The company said armed persons took control of its mining site on August 12, 2026, and that more than two months later, armed civilians and military personnel remained at the concession while mining activities allegedly continued.

At a press briefing, Narawa said the developments had resulted in three deaths and injuries to 10 people, including a police officer, between August 12 and October 7.

The company said it had also recorded the alleged theft of six excavators, gold and gold concentrate valued at approximately GH¢100 million, as well as the destruction or theft of industrial plants and equipment estimated at more than US$2 million.

Narawa commended the Ghana Police Service for what it described as its efforts in investigating the incidents, following the reported arrest of three persons allegedly connected to the events.

Company seeks investigation into October 1 incident

The company also raised concerns over an October 1 incident in which two people were killed and six others sustained gunshot injuries.

According to Narawa, the victims were among eight people it had invited and accommodated for security recruitment interviews outside the mining site.

The company acknowledged that its account of the incident differs from the preliminary version provided by the police, particularly regarding the purpose of the group's presence and the weapons reportedly recovered.

Narawa said its Managing Director and other individuals were arrested in connection with the incident and called for an impartial investigation based on all available evidence.

The company said it remained willing to cooperate with lawful investigations into the matter.

Questions military presence at concession

Narawa also questioned the presence of military personnel at the concession and called on the Ghana Armed Forces to clarify their identities, deployment authority and mandate.

The company said its latest information indicated that military personnel previously stationed at the site had been replaced by about six soldiers, alongside armed civilians.

It further called for an investigation into allegations that some personnel may have protected individuals implicated in the incidents or obstructed police action.

Narawa, however, stressed that those concerns were allegations requiring investigation and should not be treated as established findings against the Ghana Armed Forces.

The company also questioned whether the takeover and continued occupation of the concession were consistent with provisional court orders concerning its occupation and mining operations, including an order sealed on February 19, 2026.

Alleges Chinese nationals are mining at site

Narawa further alleged that about 13 groups of operators, reportedly involving Chinese nationals, were currently undertaking mining activities at the concession.

The company described the activities as unauthorised and warned that they were rapidly degrading the land.

It called on the Chief Inspector of Mines, Minerals Commission, National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and relevant environmental authorities to inspect the site, identify the operators, verify their permits and halt any activities found to be unlawful.

Narawa said it was continuing discussions with the Minerals Commission regarding administrative reviews, compliance issues and due process relating to its mining rights under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

It nevertheless insisted that those processes should not prevent the authorities from taking immediate action to protect lives, secure assets and prevent further environmental damage.

Narawa demands answers over takeover
The company is demanding written explanations from the government and relevant state institutions on the authority behind the armed presence at the concession, the progress of investigations and the legality of the mining activities currently taking place there.

It also wants the government to explain the basis for the takeover and called for the immediate withdrawal of armed persons whose presence, it claims, lacks lawful authority.

Narawa further alleged that Ebenezer Attah Fynn led the group that entered the site and presented himself as acting on behalf of CMS-Pro Industries Company Limited and A & A Industries and Construction Company Limited.

The company has asked the two companies to clarify whether Mr Fynn was authorised to represent them.

Narawa also alleged that its Managing Director had spoken directly with Alfred Mahama, whom the company identified as the brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and that Mr Mahama confirmed that he had sent persons to the site.

The company is calling for an investigation to establish who was sent, for what purpose and under whose authority, as well as whether any of those persons were involved in the subsequent violence, alleged theft or destruction of property.

Legal action commenced
Narawa said it had instructed its lawyers to pursue legal action against persons it accuses of wrongdoing, public officials, security personnel and the State and/or its agencies over their alleged roles in the matter.

The company said it would seek damages for what it described as the wrongs committed against it.

It also appealed to journalists to scrutinise its documentary evidence, seek responses from persons named in its statement and follow the investigations to their conclusion.

Narawa urged all parties to avoid confrontation, stressing that its objective was to pursue accountability through evidence and lawful processes while seeking urgent action to prevent further harm.