Tensions between Adamus Resources Limited and youth in the Nzema area have escalated, with residents rejecting claims that they are engaged in illegal mining following recent protests over the company’s concession activities.
The dispute was triggered by a statement from Adamus Resources describing demonstrators as illegal miners hiding behind community concerns to advance their interests. However, the youth have strongly denied the allegation, insisting their actions are rooted in demands for fairness, transparency, and inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved youth at Salma, youth leader James Kwoffie said the protesters are not involved in galamsey and should not be branded as such.
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“We are not illegal miners. We are only asking legitimate questions about what is happening on our land,” he said.
At the heart of the standoff are allegations that portions of Adamus Resources’ concessions have been granted to foreign nationals, while local youth are denied similar opportunities.
Mr. Kwoffie revealed that several attempts by community members to secure parts of the concession for community-based mining have been unsuccessful, despite repeated appeals to the company.
According to him, the situation has fuelled anger among residents, who feel sidelined in decisions affecting resources within their own communities.
“It is difficult to understand why local youth are being ignored, yet foreigners are being allowed to operate on the same concessions,” he added.
The youth also raised concerns about the nature of activities being carried out by the foreign nationals, which the company has described as mining support services.
While acknowledging that Ghana’s mining laws allow the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to approve such arrangements, the youth insist there is a lack of clarity.
Mr. Kwoffie claimed that about seven locations within Adamus Resources’ concession have been handed over under this arrangement, and questioned whether the necessary approvals have been granted.
“These are the questions the company has failed to answer,” he stressed.
Frustration in the Nzema area has been building for months, with allegations that some concessions have effectively been leased to foreign operators for illegal alluvial mining.
The tensions recently erupted into protests, with some youth storming parts of the concession area. During the demonstration, tyres were burnt, roads blocked, and some security installations vandalised.
The developments have heightened fears of a potential security crisis if the situation is not addressed promptly.
The youth have petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to intervene and investigate the claims, warning that continued inaction could escalate unrest in the area.
They are demanding transparency from Adamus Resources and equitable access to mining opportunities for local communities.
Observers say the dispute highlights broader tensions in Ghana’s mining sector, where questions of local participation, foreign involvement, and regulatory oversight continue to generate conflict.