Paramount Chief, Linguist And 2 Others Dragged Before Kumasi High Court Over ‘Galamsey’

The Paramount Chief of Twifo Atti-Morkwa in the Central Region, his linguist, and two others have been brought before the Kumasi High Court for allegedly engaging in illegal mining on a licensed concession belonging to Kadesh Mining Enterprise. The mining company claims that over 85% of its 14.73-acre concession in Twifo Atti-Morkwa has been destroyed due to unauthorized mining activities.

According to court filings, Kadesh Mining Enterprise was awarded a five-year small-scale mining license on June 11, 2024, after applying for the lease in 2023. However, before the company could commence commercial operations, the concession was allegedly taken over by the Omanhene of Twifo Atti-Morkwa, Oseadeayo Kwasi Kenin IV, along with linguist Okyeame Yaw Asamoah, Ernest Ahorlu, and their foreign associates led by a Chinese national, identified as Wu Ming Ji.

Court documents indicate that the paramount chief electronically acknowledged involvement in the mining activities, which have reportedly caused significant financial losses to Kadesh Mining. The plaintiff, Kadesh Mining Enterprise, is seeking GH¢15 million as compensation for the gold extracted by the defendants and an additional GH¢20 million in damages for the economic losses incurred.

The plaintiff’s statement reads, “The defendants unlawfully entered the Plaintiff’s concession without authorization under Small Scale Mining License No. LVD/CR/1750/2024, issued on June 11, 2024, and mined approximately 85% of the 14.73-acre area, causing substantial economic losses.”

During a hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the Commercial Division of the Kumasi High Court, only Okyeame Yaw Asamoah and Ernest Ahorlu were present, with the paramount chief, Oseadeayo Kwasi Kenin IV, absent. Plaintiff’s lawyer, Hansen Kwadwo Koduah, indicated that private investigations conducted by his client had revealed the involvement of the chief and his associates in the illegal mining operations.

In response, the paramount chief has filed a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the Kumasi High Court, requesting that the case be transferred to the Cape Coast High Court, as the defendants are based in Twifo Praso. He has asked the court to refer the jurisdictional issue to the Chief Justice for review.

Commenting on the case, Mr. Hansen Koduah framed the writ as part of a broader effort to combat illegal mining in Ghana. The outcome of this case may be seen as a significant development in the ongoing national fight against unauthorized mining activities.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com