Captain Jabari clarifies alleged takeover of Akatakyieso mining site

The Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Rtd.) John Kwame Jabari, has denied claims about National Security operatives. He stated they are not illegally operating a licensed underground small-scale mine in Akatakyieso, Adansi North District.

His comments followed a viral Facebook post by journalist Erastus Asare Donkor. Donkor questioned the role of National Security at the mining site. He wrote that armed men were mining there and driving away workers.

Captain Jabari spoke to Kumasi Mail about National Security operations in the area. He categorized them into three sites within the Akatakyieso enclave.

First Site – Chinese Operation
Captain Jabari said the Chinese mining site mentioned by Donkor is not occupied by National Security now. However, operatives were previously deployed there for anti-illegal mining efforts. Several Chinese nationals were arrested but later released after checks confirmed their valid work permits.

Second Site – Disputed Underground Mine
The controversial underground mine was originally operated by the late Mr. Rasak. After the 2016 elections, Kwabena Macho allegedly took over with political backing. Since then, local actors have controlled it.

Jabari clarified that National Security is not currently mining there but securing it after its closure. Pumping water out of the site after rainfall is standard procedure and does not indicate active mining. He added that operatives requested legal documents from current operators but received no licenses.

Third Site – Open Area Galamsey Hub
The third site in Akatakyieso had become a hotspot for illegal mining and environmental damage. National Security evacuated hundreds of illegal miners and stopped further destruction of local forests and water bodies.

Captain Jabari called claims that National Security seized and operated mines “pure fabrications.”

Background Context
Erastus Asare Donkor had earlier questioned why National Security would take over a licensed mine. He noted conflicting statements from security officials regarding orders from Accra.

The Akatakyieso concession was part of AngloGold Ashanti’s territory given to host communities for legal artisanal mining. However, sources claim previous governments handed over this scheme to political allies who partnered with Chinese nationals instead of benefiting local miners.

The current government has announced the annulment of this community mining scheme due to abuse and deviation from its original purpose.