Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has assured that AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) can resume operations without interfering with ongoing investigations into the recent incident at the northern camp of the mine.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, January 20, he stated that mining activities in the southern area, where operations are actively ongoing, can continue without compromising evidence at the northern site.

“AngloGold Ashanti can commence work without affecting or tampering with the evidence. The issue occurred within the northern side, which is not an active site for mining activities,” he stated.

Dr Amoakohene further explained that while investigations are still ongoing, the resumption of operations is crucial to ensure economic continuity and stability for the workers and surrounding communities.

He stressed the importance of engaging all relevant stakeholders, noting that community confidence in the process initiated by President John Mahama is essential.

“We want to achieve peace and confidence among all stakeholders involved. After our engagement with them, we realised they were a bit at peace. With constant engagement, we should be able to get the company back to work and schools reopened,” he said.

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Addressing concerns about the prolonged closure of the mine and its potential impact, Dr Amoakohene highlighted the need to strike a balance between maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring the integrity of the investigative process.

“They can’t remain closed for weeks and days while investigations are ongoing. Once we are sure that the communities are at peace and have confidence in the process, work can resume,” he affirmed.

Dr Amoakohene also revealed that the government is committed to addressing the welfare of personnel affected by the incident, including a military operative who was injured.

“We engaged with the authorities and sent the President’s compliments to the injured military officer. The President is deeply concerned about the welfare of our men in uniform, and adequate provisions have been made to cover medical expenses and ensure their full recovery,” he stated.

He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent process that takes into account the concerns of all parties involved.

“Our goal is to ensure that operations resume smoothly while investigations continue, and we will maintain constant dialogue with all stakeholders to achieve this,” Dr Amoakohene assured.