The Ghana Chamber of Mines has condemned the attack on the Benso concession of Golden Star Resources (Wassa Mine) in the Western Region on Thursday 16th March 2023.
The attack, which has left several persons injured as well as destruction of property worth millions of cedis.
According to the Chamber, the situation presents a growing state of insecurity for Ghanaians and other international citizens working at the mine, the larger mining industry, and the country.
“The Chamber is greatly concerned about the upsurge in attacks on mines in the country and the increasingly hostile and violent acts of the perpetrators despite the presence of Police Officers at the mines. The attack has saddled the mine with huge and avoidable costs in the replacement of destroyed assets and creates a sense of insecurity for the workers of the mine, who are largely Ghanaians”, a statement issued by the chamber.
The statement pointed out that mining is a catalyst for development and any attack on a mine is an attack on national development.
It regretted that recent events therefore detract from the government’s efforts to position the mining industry as a fulcrum of its economic recovery programme and preferred country of investments for both local and foreign investors.
“The increasing case of copycat violent attacks on assets and people at the mines is a disappointing watershed in the history of the country. Since the hike in such attacks has coincided with an upsurge in terrorist-linked attacks at mines in other mining jurisdictions in the sub-region, the government must prioritize the security of the mines. This would not only reinforce the State’s role as a shareholder in all mining companies and owner of mineral resources but guarantee a conducive environment for mining operations to be conducted. We further wish to commend the Ghana Police Service for taking swift action to arrest the suspects. The Chamber hopes that prosecution will equally be swift.” CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Sulemanu Koney said.
Background
On Thursday 16th March 2023 illegal small-scale miners set on fire some properties belonging to the Golden Star Wassa Mine at Benso in the Western Region. The illegal miners set 12 vehicles among other assets ablaze, including excavators, ambulances and pick-ups, forcing the staff of the company to run for their lives.
Latest Stories
-
Empowering Girls in ICT: FAWE Ghana advocates for gender equality in the Tech sector
1 hour -
Rangnick ‘contacted by Bayern Munich’ about manager job
1 hour -
Winneba Youth Choir celebrates 35th Anniversary with Aseda Concert sponsored by Fidelity Bank
1 hour -
Bonwire residents reject Agya Koo’s endorsement of Ejisu NPP MP aspirant
1 hour -
SSNIT to run out of reserves due to deficits – ILO
1 hour -
Lagos officials eye Jospong Group’s eco-friendly waste management module
1 hour -
Photos: NDC outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
1 hour -
Tevez released from hospital after chest pains
1 hour -
EU expresses confidence in Ghana’s rejection of Anti-LGBTQI legislation
2 hours -
UK to improve access to life-saving malaria drugs for the most-affected countries
2 hours -
Newey to leave Red Bull over Horner allegations
2 hours -
Fifa announces deal with Saudi oil company Aramco
2 hours -
Free SHS: It takes time to review a policy – Tsiboe-Darko
2 hours -
Spanish prosecutors ask judge to scrap case against PM Pedro Sánchez’s wife
2 hours -
Kwabena Fori releases ‘Let Me Go’ ahead of ‘Tuesday’ EP
2 hours