Nzema East MCE condemns Adelekezo clash, calls for calm
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nzema East in the Western Region, Herbert Kuah Dickson, has condemned the violent clash between the youth of Adelekezo and JAS Mining Company, which resulted in the death of a 13-year-old boy and the destruction of property.
In a release on Monday, December 15, the MCE expressed the Assembly’s commitment to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred last weekend in the farming community near Axim. The clash also led to injuries and the burning of vehicles, excavators, and other valuable equipment belonging to the mining company.
Dickson condemned the actions of both parties involved and appealed to residents to remain calm while investigations are ongoing. He emphasised that the Municipal Assembly would not shield anyone found to have orchestrated or contributed to the violence that led to the fatal shooting.
According to the release, the Municipal Security Council, led by the MCE, had earlier engaged the community in September 2025 during a routine visit, during which some Chinese nationals were arrested by the MUSEC task force.
Subsequent interrogation by security operatives confirmed that JAS Mining Company possessed valid documents as a licenced large-scale mining concession, with approvals from the Minerals Commission and other regulatory bodies.
The Assembly noted that during his first engagement with the community on the day of the arrests, the MCE expressed dissatisfaction with local leaders for failing to report the company’s presence and activities during the earlier MUSEC visit.
Further investigations at the time revealed that although the company had the necessary documentation, it had not yet commenced operations.
Since the September arrests, the Assembly said it had been engaging the company to submit a roadmap outlining its operational plans, leading up to the recent incident. Investigations have now been intensified to determine the root cause of the clash and to resolve the tension between the company and the community.
The MCE assured residents that the Assembly would facilitate proper engagement between all parties to restore peace, harmony, and coexistence. He added that the Assembly would also ensure that responsibilities are determined and that expenses related to the loss of life and injuries are addressed if any party is found liable.
Dickson extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished those injured a speedy recovery. He assured the public that the Assembly would keep residents informed about the outcome of the investigations and the way forward regarding the company’s operations.
The statement follows ongoing investigations by the Western Regional Police Command into the fatal shooting, which police say began after a confrontation between local youth and private security personnel at the mining site. Authorities have since arrested five suspects and continue to urge the community to cooperate with efforts to ensure justice and restore calm in Adelekezo.
