The Paramount Chief of Offinso, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, has firmly opposed any form of mining activity in his jurisdiction, stating that the traditional area must remain dedicated to farming.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum involving the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on July 18, 2025, the chief expressed concern after a group reportedly approached his palace presenting a mining lease. He insisted that Offinso’s identity and survival are tied to agriculture and called for the area to be protected from the disruptions often associated with mining operations.
Nana Akenten made it clear that Offinso has been preserved as a farming zone over the years, thanks to the oversight of the Asantehene, and should remain so. He maintained that he does not want mining activities to damage the land or disrupt the livelihoods of farmers in the area.
Reacting to the concerns, the CEO of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, encouraged the chief to submit a formal notification to the Commission if the community wishes to restrict mining access. He cited a similar step taken by the late Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.
Adding to the discussion, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, warned traditional authorities not to entertain any documents presented to them as mining leases. He indicated that those documents are likely fake, as the Ministry had already revoked all leases issued after December 7, 2024.
According to him, following a mandated audit of existing licences, it was discovered that only 316 mining licences are currently valid, rendering all others invalid.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
