Kibi Goldfields denies any civilian shootings during unrest in Saamang community

Management of Kibi Goldfields Limited has denied allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities along the Akusu River in the Saamang community, located in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.

This follows an incident on August 3, in which a mother of seven sustained gunshot wounds during a confrontation between military personnel and some residents of Saamang.

The soldiers had been deployed to provide security for Kibi Goldfields, which community members accuse of mining within the buffer zone and directly in the main course of the Akusu River.

In a statement, the company condemned what it described as an unprovoked attack on its workers and a company vehicle by some youth in the area. It also dismissed claims that a civilian was shot during the altercation, insisting that no such incident occurred during the confrontation.

Kibi Goldfields further reiterated its commitment to responsible and lawful mining practices, adding that it does not operate within any prohibited areas.

According to the Alluvia Mining Company, all necessary and proper legal documents with permits have been obtained, including a water diversion permit ( KGLID845/25) from the Water Resources Commission, which grants the company authorisation to carry out the lawful dredging of the Akusu river.

The company stated that it undertook the restoration of the Akusu River solely in response to a formal request from the Saamang Traditional Council, aimed at dredging and rehabilitating the galamsey-polluted river to promote ecological balance and improve the well-being of residents.

In an interview with Citi News, the Mine Manager for Kibi Goldfields Limited, Samuel Tei Agyemang, indicated that the company is committed to responsible mining and environmental stewardship and has worked to secure all necessary legal approvals to dredge the Akusu River.

“The issue is that the community said we’re stopping them from doing galamsey. If we had stopped them from doing their work, then they would also stop us from working. That is the underlying condition.

“Yes, the company diverted the Akusu River due to the regulatory permit we have and the consultations we had with the community leaders,” he said.

Samuel Tei Agyemang added that Kibi Goldfields Limited will continue to foster a strong and peaceful relationship with the Saamang community, actively engage in various corporate social responsibility initiatives to improve the livelihood of residents.