Kofreze Construction and Engineering Limited has formally complained to National Security and the Minerals Commission. It states illegal miners took over its licensed mining area at Wasa Dadieso. This happened in the Wasa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region. The company says the invasion began about three weeks ago. Unidentified individuals forcibly seized parts of the concession. This has halted the company's work. It has also caused extensive environmental damage.
The company submitted petitions on April 14, 2026. These were sent to the National Coordinator of National Security and the Minerals Commission's CEO. An internal security report first alerted management. A later company assessment revealed widespread destruction. Illegal mining activities were happening without authorization. Environmental degradation was also evident on the concession. The petitions noted that the illegal miners' presence disrupts peace. It undermines legitimate investment in the area. There is also a risk of conflict with the local community.
Kofreze Construction is asking for quick action. It wants authorities to remove the illegal miners. The company seeks to regain legal control of its concession. This is crucial to prevent further economic and environmental losses. Documents shared by the company support its claims. These include an Environmental Permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. It allows Kofreze Construction to conduct small-scale gold mining. This permission is for Dadieso No. 2. The permit is valid until March 19, 2027. It was issued on March 20, 2025. The company also provided legal documents. These include agreements and notarized court and registry documents. They prove its legal right to operate on the land.
Kofreze Construction and Engineering Limited operates legally. It holds a license under Ghana's Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). Illegal mining, known as galamsey, is a persistent problem. It affects many mining areas in Ghana. The Western and Western North regions are particularly impacted. Disputes over mining rights are common. Water bodies are often polluted. Environmental damage is widespread. Officials from the Minerals Commission and National Security have not yet commented publicly. These events highlight ongoing tensions between legal mining operations and illegal activities. Such conflicts pose a significant risk to Ghana's mining sector. This sector is vital for the nation's economy.
The presence of illegal miners directly challenges the regulatory framework for mining. It also undermines efforts to ensure sustainable and responsible resource extraction. The Wasa Amenfi East Municipality is a key mining area. The company's plea for intervention underscores the need for effective law enforcement. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting legitimate investments. The economic implications of such invasions can be severe. They can deter further investment. They can also lead to job losses for those employed by licensed firms.