Bentil Questions Treatment of Ghanaian Mining Firms

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the dispute surrounding Northern Ashanti Mines Limited, raising concerns about the treatment of Ghanaian-owned businesses in the mining sector.

Mr Bentil questioned the circumstances surrounding the Minerals Commission’s decision to revoke the company’s mining rights and take control of its operations at Konongo in the Ashanti Region. He argued that the handling of the matter could undermine efforts to promote local participation in Ghana’s mining industry.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the IMANI Africa executive expressed concern about what he described as a growing pattern of actions against indigenous mining companies.

He cited Northern Ashanti Mines, Adamus Resources and Narawa Mines as examples of cases that, in his view, required closer scrutiny by the government.

Mr Bentil stressed that mining involves substantial financial commitments and long-term planning, warning that decisions that disrupt investments could weaken investor confidence and discourage local entrepreneurs from entering the sector.

The dispute follows the Minerals Commission’s revocation of Northern Ashanti Mines’ mining lease and prospecting licence. The company has challenged the decision, insisting that it was not given the required notice of an alleged statutory breach before its licences were withdrawn.

Northern Ashanti Mines has also disputed the Commission’s account of its outstanding financial obligations and defended its activities at the Konongo site, saying it had invested substantial resources in developing the mine and constructing processing infrastructure.

Mr Bentil questioned whether the relevant legal procedures had been properly followed, arguing that the authorities should ensure mining disputes are handled in accordance with the law.

He called on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to explain the Commission’s actions and urged the President to take an interest in the matter.

The company has initiated legal proceedings challenging the revocation and seeking to prevent further interference with its operations while the dispute is before the courts.

Mr Bentil maintained that protecting Ghanaian investment should remain a key consideration in the management of the country’s mineral resources, particularly as the government seeks to expand indigenous participation in the mining industry.

The Minerals Commission’s position on the revocation and the legal questions surrounding the dispute remain central to the ongoing controversy.

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