Konongo Mine Crisis: What Workers Are Begging Mahama to Do to Save Their Jobs

Workers of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the dispute that has resulted in the closure of the Konongo mine and facilitate negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues.

The workers are urging the President to bring together the company’s management, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to explore a possible resolution that would allow mining operations to resume while outstanding regulatory concerns are addressed.

The mine was shut down on October 22, 2026, following an operation involving the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Minerals Commission.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, the company’s Community Relations Officer, Alfred Oduro, explained that the workers were not seeking to have regulatory requirements overlooked but wanted an amicable solution that would safeguard their employment.

He said the workers believed the concerns raised by the Minerals Commission could be addressed through the appropriate legal and administrative processes without necessarily keeping the mine closed indefinitely.

Oduro indicated that their petition was aimed at securing presidential intervention to facilitate discussions among the relevant government institutions and the company’s management, including consideration of the relocation of the mining operations where necessary.

He expressed concern that an extended shutdown could have serious consequences for workers and their dependants, particularly those who rely on the mine as their primary source of income.

According to him, the company’s management has continued to brief workers on the legal developments surrounding the closure and has appealed to them to remain patient while efforts are made to resolve the dispute and restore operations.

The workers’ appeal comes amid an ongoing disagreement over the mining rights of Northern Ashanti Mines, formerly known as Owere Mines.

In April 2026, the Minerals Commission terminated the company’s mining leases over alleged outstanding statutory payments and other regulatory breaches.

The company has since challenged the decision in court, leaving the dispute over its mining rights unresolved.

Meanwhile, the workers are hopeful that President Mahama’s intervention will bring the relevant parties to the negotiating table and help secure a lasting resolution that addresses the regulatory concerns while protecting their jobs and livelihoods.

Source: https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/11/northern-ashanti-mines-workers-seek-talks-with-govt-over-mine-shutdown/

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