Chiefs in Amenam, a local mining community in Birim North, has met with the officials of the Minerals Commission to express their disapproval of operations of Sikadwaso Mining company, a firm, the traditional authorities believe, is mining illegally on their land.
In a letter written and signed on behalf of the Kotoku Traditional Area by its secretary, Boafo, and copied to the Minerals Commission, the traditional leaders noted with grave-concern, their utmost displeasure of the operations by Sikadwaso Company in its Kwaakuru forest reserve.
The authorities also indicated that Sikadwaso did not have the necessary permits to mine in the forest and has called for revocation of its license.
Again, it also added that Sikadwaso did not engage Nananom before it began operations in Amenam. It also said, Sikadwaso has failed to undertake any corporate social responsibility in the area. Additionally, it accused Sikadwaso for destroying an afforestation exercise undertaken by the community and the Newmont mining company.
It also said Sikadwaso mining activities has caused severe damage to the Praso river. It further added that Sikadwaso has forcefully taken a portion of land demarcated for small scale mining in the area.
In response, the deputy manager for social sciences at the Minerals Commission, Steven Agbo, assured that the traditional authorities that, the Minerals Commission will conduct its investigation and issue recommendations afterwards.
“Mining can proceed with mishaps between community and the companies. We’re here today, after a petition filed by traditional against Sikadwaso with regards to mining irregularities. After receiving such complaints and to ensure that there’s no bloodshed due to a license given to a mining, we come down to engage with the petitioners and report back to our leaders for recommendation after our findings. From here, we will go to the mining site to assess the situation on ground and file our report”, Steven Agbo said.
Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Kotoku Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Arko, commended the Minister for Lands and Natural resources together with the Minerals Commission for their commitment to safeguarding lands and water bodies in the country and called on them to ensure the right procedures are put in place in safeguarding and preserving Amenam lands.
He added that illegal mining activities have become the new norm in Amenam, while emphasizing the Oseedeayo Dr. Frimpong Manso, Kotoku Manhene’s commitment to crackdown on the menace.
Akyem Amenam and Akyem Asene Hemaa, Nana Ama Agyeiwaa Agyekumwaa II warned that, Kotoku Traditional Leaders will not countenance the continuation of the activities of Sikadwaso Mining Company in the area. The queen mother noted that, Sikadwaso has undermined and showed gross disrespect to the traditional authority, arguing that, it will not welcome Sikadwaso on Kotoku lands.
Background
Birim North: Amenam youth in ‘arms’ over Sikadwaso mining company’s invasion of sacred Kwaakru Forest Reserve
On June 19, 2025, a large number of disgruntled youth of Akyem Amenam, a farming and mining in the Birim North District in solidarity with leaders from the Kotoku Traditional Area issued a stern warning to Sikadwaso mining company Ltd, an – extractive company that has been granted a license by the Minerals Commission to mine in Kwakuru Forest Reserve in the area.
The chiefs and the community members argued that the said mining company, led by one George Narh has invaded the 600-hectare Kwakuru forest without following the necessary procedures that permits its operations in the area.
During a press conference held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Assembly Member for the area, Isaac Amponsah indicated the operations of the company cannot continue, citing the leaders of the community’s non-involvement in the said lease.
“We’re very angry because one company calling itself, Sikadwaso has entered our Kwakuru forest land, claiming it has been given a license by the Minerals Commission to deplete the forest. As an Assembly Member, Nananom from Asene and chiefs from Amenam have all maintained that we’re not aware of the lease.
The natural resources belong to the government but the land belongs to the chiefs so therefore you cannot just invade someone’s land and claim you’ve been given a license to mine. We will not agree to this.
This same group of people came here sometime ago as a small scale mining company and they did not even undertake a single social responsibility in this area, today, they are back as Sikadwaso Mining Ltd and they are claiming to have secured license to mine in the over 600 hectares of Kwakuru Forest Reserve, and as an Assembly Member and my people, we will not agree today nor tomorrow.
We’re going to present a petition to the District chief Executive for Birim North and we will ensure that this company does not mine in the Kwakuru Forest Reserve“, he said.
Checks have also revealed that the said company was given license by the Minerals Commission in January 25, this year.
Tourism officer for Kotoku Traditional Council and Head of Communications, Nana Kwame Akomea in his statement warned that the Paramountcy is not aware of the operations of the Sikadwaso Mining Ltd, hence their activities cannot continue.
He emphasized the need for the Minerals Commission to consult the traditional leaders before granting such an approval to the company. He accused the minerals Commission in Koforidua for engaging in dubious activities that undermines the transparency and respect for traditional authority.
“Minerals Commission and its leaders in Koforidua, we’re telling them whether they like it or not, they do not have lands, and if they insist that they will continue to allow Sikadwaso mine, we will show them the power the Kotoku Traditional Council possess. Minerals Commission failed to consult Nananom because of one’s selfish interest. I‘ve personally had engagement with them and their actions confirmed that they are conniving with people to undertake dubious mining operations.
This forest reserve is a sacred place for the Kotoku Traditional Council and that’s where our ancestors live, we will show them that the power restle with us. We’re also calling on President Mahama and the minister for Natural Resources Emmanuel Kofi Buah to ensure that they address this matter as soon as possible, else we will defend ourselves against Sikadwaso Mining Ltd“,
Nana Kwame Akomea further accused a former chief of Asene, one Nana Kakari for his alleged involvement in this schemed – illegal operations by the Sikadwaso Mining Ltd.
“We believe that it’s Nana Kakari who has been hiding behind this company to perpetuate this act of gross misconduct against the Kotoku Traditional Leaders. He’s no longer the Chief of Asene and he has no further right to call himself chief and give out concessions to mining companies“,
The Kwakuru Forest is made of eight communities namely Amanfokrom, Adadekrom, Nyanfomam, Mpintinpi, Amenam, Amuana Praso and Nwinso. The leaders of the community had earlier planned to present a petition to the DCE for Birim North, unfortunately, they did not meet the presence of the DCE.
