Two mining companies operating in the Eastern Region, CMS-PRO Industries & Construction Limited and A&A Southern Industries Limited, have strongly denied allegations concerning their operations at the Osiem and Nsutam concessions, particularly claims that they deployed armed men and National Security personnel to raid the sites. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the companies condemned what they described as false and potentially defamatory allegations attributed to lawyer Martin Kpebu and other commentators, insisting that serious accusations against identifiable businesses and directors must be backed by credible evidence and presented fairly. They maintained that their actions to protect their business interests and tackle illegal mining were being pursued through lawful channels and state institutions, and should not be misrepresented as unlawful raids. They also categorically rejected any suggestion that Alfred Mahama, brother of President John Dramani Mahama, was linked to their acquisition of the leases to imply political advantage.
The companies explained that the controversy stems from mining concessions previously associated with Narawa Mining Company Limited. They stated that their applications were processed through the Minerals Commission and approved by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. According to them, the Commission, in a letter dated September 5, 2025, indicated that Narawa had failed to meet certain regulatory obligations, including payment of mineral right fees, and had not remedied the breaches within the stipulated 120-day period. The leases were therefore described as “not to be in good standing, albeit valid,” and applications for the areas would be considered on a “first-come-first-considered basis.”
On that basis, CMS-PRO submitted application APL-M-246 for the Nsutam area on September 26, 2025, while A&A Southern Industries submitted application APL-M-247 for approximately 22.72 square kilometres, comprising 108 blocks in the Osiem area, on the same date. The Minister approved the Commission’s recommendations on August 5, 2026, with Notices of Grant of Mining Lease issued on August 13, 2026. CMS-PRO’s notice specified a mineral right fee of US$362,700 in addition to annual ground rent, while A&A Southern Industries also received its Notice of Grant and invoices for applicable statutory fees. Both companies said they have paid the invoices issued by the Commission and insisted they neither bypassed the application process nor conferred mineral rights upon themselves.
The companies have reserved their right to pursue legal remedies against statements they consider false, damaging and actionable under the law. They reiterated their commitment to investing in the undeveloped mining assets, deploying technical expertise and creating sustainable employment opportunities for surrounding communities and Ghana as a whole.
