Narawa Mining refutes galamsey claims

Narawa Mining Company has refuted claims that the elder brother of President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Alfred Mahama, is involved in illegal mining activities in the Eastern Region.

At a press briefing held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Adjei Baffour Acquah, described as false, the recent media reports linking Mr Alfred Mahama to illegal mining operations around Nsutam.

Unfounded allegations

He stated that the President’s brother had no connection with the company, adding that the allegations were unfounded and intended to tarnish the reputation of both Mr Mahama and Narawa Mining.

Mr Acquah explained that the company legally acquired its current mining lease and had consistently adhered to the country’s mining regulations.

“We are committed to responsible mining and will not engage in any practices that undermine the government’s fight against illegal mining,” he stressed.

He also dismissed claims that the company operates near forest reserves or water bodies, stressing that their operations are environmentally compliant.

To back this, the company conducted a media tour of its concession and gold-washing site, showing that mining activities are located far from any rivers or water sources.

Addressing allegations that Narawa Mining had polluted water bodies such as River Akusu and River Birim, Mr Acquah clarified that a containment pit had been constructed to collect all water used during washing, ensuring no spillage into natural water bodies.

He further disclosed that upon acquiring the concession from a previous operator, Narawa undertook land reclamation efforts to restore abandoned pits — an initiative he said many other mining firms failed to pursue.

He criticised what he termed as “unethical journalism” by some media houses and warned that the company would pursue legal action against individuals and outlets that spread falsehoods.

“These false narratives not only undermine the good work we are doing here but also seek to erode public trust in legal mining operations,” Mr Acquah said.

Background

Media reports on May 19, 2025, alleged that a known illegal miner had linked Mr Alfred Mahama to his operations after National Security raided his site.

The reports claimed that the miner boasted of protection from the President’s brother while engaging in activities that polluted rivers in the Eastern Region.

However, Narawa Mining has categorically denied these claims, maintaining its commitment to lawful and environmentally sound mining practices.