Ghanaian officials and military seize Northern Ashanti Mines

The Minerals Commission, supported by military and police personnel, has reportedly taken over the Northern Ashanti Mines Limited. The operation, which included the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), reportedly occurred at dawn on Thursday, 22 October 2026.

Former Obuasi East Member of Parliament Edward Enin has condemned the seizure, describing the military-led action as undemocratic and lawless. Enin noted that workers were allegedly given only one hour to remove their belongings and valuables from the site.

Enin criticized the government for failing to protect indigenous businesses, suggesting that the takeover facilitates the transfer of concessions to Chinese interests. He has called for presidential intervention to reverse the decision, arguing that even if legal violations occurred, the use of military force against a domestic company was inappropriate for a democracy.