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A wave of anger and resistance has swept through the Asuboa community in the Asante Akyem South Municipality of the Ashanti Region, as residents, traditional leaders, and local authorities rise up against alleged illegal mining operations by Sokoro Investment Limited. According to the residents, the company has been conducting secret mining activities on their lands without the knowledge or consent of the Chief of Asuboa, Baffour Kwaku Ofori II, and other traditional leaders. The revelation has triggered outrage among the community, prompting strong demands for Sokoro Investment Limited to immediately halt operations and vacate the area. During a media tour of the alleged mining site, angry residents accused the company of invading their lands under the guise of operating legally. They claimed that neither the Asuboa Traditional Council nor the Asante Akyem South Municipal Assembly had approved any mining activity in the area. > “We don’t want galamsey or any form of mining on our lands. Sokoro Investment Limited should pack their machines and leave immediately. We will not sit idle for anyone to destroy our water bodies and farmlands,” an aggrieved resident told journalists. The Asuboa Traditional Council and community leaders have issued a strong ultimatum to Sokoro Investment Limited, demanding that the company appear before the council by Tuesday to present all legal documents authorizing its operations. They warned that failure to comply would compel the community to take lawful action to safeguard their environment and ancestral heritage. The Assembly Member for the area, together with local elders, reiterated that the community welcomes genuine investors and development projects but will not tolerate any illegal mining activities that threaten livelihoods, water sources, and farmlands. They further appealed to the Asante Akyem South Municipal Assembly, the Minerals Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the company’s activities and take the necessary regulatory action. When contacted by the media, Mr. Alex Osei Kusi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sokoro Investment Limited, denied allegations of illegal mining. He insisted that his company operates within the confines of the law and possesses the required documentation for its activities. > “The work I’m doing is not illegal. I’m ready to submit all my legal documents to the traditional authorities for verification. I respect nananom and the people of Asuboa,” Mr. Osei Kusi stated. He, however, admitted that the company had not yet received full authorization from the traditional council to begin operations. > “I’m open to dialogue with the chiefs and residents, and I’m prepared to fulfill all corporate social responsibilities that will benefit the community, including reclaiming all lands after our work,” he assured. As tensions rise, community leaders have urged residents to remain calm and allow due process to take its course while the appropriate authorities investigate the matter. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the outcome of the scheduled meeting between the Asuboa Traditional Council and Sokoro Investment Limited a meeting that could determine the future of mining activities in the area. Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku
