Residents of Asiakwa and surrounding communities including Juaso, Nsuapemso, Osino, Nsutam, and Saamang in the Eastern Region have accused Kibi Goldfields Limited of neglecting its social responsibilities despite years of mining operations in the area.
Community members say the companys presence has brought little visible development to the localities where it operates and are now challenging the mining firm to demonstrate what tangible benefits the communities have received since it began operations.
We have lived with the impact of their mining activities for years, yet we cannot point to any major development project that shows the company is committed to the welfare of the people, a community source said.
Growing Frustration Among Residents
The accusations come amid growing frustration from residents who say they continue to endure the environmental and social consequences of mining activities without adequate mitigation measures.
Community members argue that, although the Ghana Chamber of Mines encourages mining companies to allocate roughly one percent of net profits to community development, there is little evidence of such investments reaching local communities.
Residents also claim that mitigation measures outlined in environmental impact assessments have not been effectively implemented.
Sources in Asiakwa, where dissatisfaction appears particularly intense, warn that the situation could escalate into a series of demonstrations across affected communities. Youth groups are reportedly mobilising to demand greater transparency and accountability from the company.
About Kibi Goldfields
Kibi Goldfields Limited is a gold mining company operating in the Eastern Region, particularly within the Kibi enclave and nearby districts such as Fanteakwa and Atiwa.
Founded on June 16, 1993, the company holds mining concessions covering approximately 46.63 square kilometres. It focuses mainly on alluvial gold mining, a method of extracting gold from sediments and riverbeds. The companys headquarters is located in Osino, with operational sites spread across several nearby communities.
The concession area lies within Ghanas Birimian geological belt, one of the countrys richest gold-bearing zones.
Environmental Concerns
In recent years, the company has faced allegations of environmental infractions. In 2025, residents in the Saamang area accused the company of:
Mining directly in sections of the Akusu River, and
Operating within protected buffer zones.
Community members expressed concerns that such activities could threaten water sources relied upon by several surrounding communities.
Farmland Destruction Allegations
Local residents in Juaso, Nsuapemso, and surrounding villages have previously raised concerns about the impact of mining operations on agricultural land.
Farmers claim mining activities have resulted in:
Destruction of cocoa farms and food crop plantations,
Clearing of farmland without adequate consultation, and
Construction of access roads through plantations without proper compensation.
These developments, farmers say, have disrupted livelihoods that depend heavily on agriculture.
Calls for Dialogue and Accountability
Community leaders insist they are not opposed to mining but stress that companies operating within their lands must ensure that local populations benefit meaningfully from the resources extracted.
Residents are therefore calling for greater engagement between the company, regulatory authorities, and host communities to address their concerns.
With tensions rising in parts of the Kibi mining enclave, observers say proactive dialogue and transparent accountability will be essential to prevent the situation from escalating further
