Back to Latest Briefings
May 20, 2026
AI-Enhanced
Licensed mining firm cries foul over illegal occupation of concession at Wasa Dadieso
Money
Policy
Key Points
- Kofreze Construction and Engineering Limited has petitioned National Security and the Minerals Commission regarding the illegal occupation of its licensed gold mining concession.
- The company claims unidentified illegal miners ('galamsey') forcibly took over parts of its concession at Wasa Dadieso, Western Region, three weeks ago.
- This takeover has disrupted Kofreze's operations, caused extensive property destruction, and led to significant environmental degradation.
- Kofreze, holding valid permits and licenses under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, is appealing for urgent intervention to evict the illegal miners.
- The company seeks to restore lawful possession of its concession and prevent further economic and environmental losses.
Why This Matters
This incident underscores the persistent challenge of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, which severely undermines legitimate investments and causes extensive environmental damage. It highlights the critical need for robust enforcement of mining laws and protection of licensed operators to foster a predictable business environment and ensure sustainable development in the mining sector. Failure to address such issues can deter both local and foreign investment and exacerbate social and environmental conflicts.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
August 24, 2026
GoldBod denies GH¢1bn BoG overdraft claim, demands retraction and apology from Boako
- The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has vehemently denied claims by MP Dr. Gideon Boako that it owes the Bank of Ghana (BoG) a GH¢1 billion overdraft.
- Dr. Boako, a Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, questioned GoldBod's reported GH¢907 million profit, stating an outstanding overdraft would reflect a loss.
- GoldBod labeled Dr. Boako’s claim as “totally false,” a “deliberate and malicious smear campaign,” and demanded a retraction and apology.
- This dispute is set against a broader political and economic debate concerning GoldBod’s financial performance and the accounting treatment of GH¢22 billion losses from the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
- GoldBod asserts it has never taken any loan, overdraft, or debt instrument from the Bank of Ghana or any financial institution since its establishment.
August 24, 2026
GoldBod losses remain key on Minority agenda as Parliament reconvenes – Afenyo-Markin
- The NPP Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, reaffirmed the caucus's commitment to investigate a reported US$1.7 billion loss linked to the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
- This commitment was reiterated after Afenyo-Markin met with NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in Accra.
- Dr Bawumia commended the Minority Caucus for its accountability efforts and encouraged their continued work.
- The reported loss, equivalent to about 1.5% of Ghana’s GDP, will be a key issue for the Minority as Parliament reconvenes.
- The Minority is resolute in pursuing the matter to get answers for the Ghanaian public regarding the circumstances of the loss.
August 23, 2026
Why celebrate $2.62bn FDI while losing $1.7bn under the Domestic Gold Programme? IERPP asks
- The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) welcomes Ghana's US$2.62 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a sign of investor confidence.
- However, IERPP tempers this optimism with concern over an estimated GH¢22 billion (US$1.7 billion) loss from the Domestic Gold Purchase Program (DGPP).
- The DGPP loss is significant, equating to about 65 cents for every US$1 of FDI attracted, highlighting a major resource management issue.
- IERPP emphasizes that while FDI is crucial, it cannot substitute for prudent management and protection of existing public resources.
- The Institute calls for greater transparency, a clear breakdown of DGPP losses, and intense scrutiny from accountability institutions, Parliament, and civil society.