I have no idea about the illegal mining activity taking place on my concession – Sampson Ofosu

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of S.K Ofosu Company, Sampson Fosu, has dismissed claims that his concession is being used for illegal mining activities, noting that he has no knowledge of any mining activities occurring on his legally acquired concession.

Mr. Sampson disclosed that he obtained the Dormaa Ahenkro concession in 2020 and was subsequently invited by the Dormaa Hene, through the register, Mr.Sarpong , who advocates for large-scale, profit-oriented mining to benefit community development.

He stated that he refrained from commencing any operations on the site pending parliamentary approval.

“I was waiting for parliamentary approval before working on the site.

“After receiving the concession, there were publications in the Daily Graphic, which made the Dormaa Registerer ,Mr. Sarpong invite to me because his preference is with proper mining so that he can get profit, which can be used for development in the Dormaa community,” he said.

According to Mr. Sampson after the 2024 elections, machines and excavators were operating on the site and when he approached the area as the concession owner, he was prevented from getting access.

“After the elections, around January or February, when I approached the area in my capacity as the rightful owner of the concession, I was prevented, where I also observed heavy equipment, including excavators, operating on the site,” he highlighted.

He added upon official search of his concession at the Minerals Commission, he found his documents had been transferred to three companies, even though he still has the mineral rights.

“So I decided to go back to search the concession legally, I found out that my documents had been transferred to three different companies.

“Although the lease was granted for 16 years, less than a year had passed since I still obtained it, and I still have the mineral rights,” he disclosed.

He indicated that resorting to the courts for adjudication is aimed at challenging claims linking him to illegal mining on his concession and underscored that, as the lawful owner, any actions should have been communicated to him through proper channels.

“So I brought the Minerals Commission and the three companies to court because I had no knowledge of what was happening on my concession and I was surprised to find out it that had been taken from me, with people working there,” he reiterated.

He further urged the media and stakeholders to pay close attention, warning that if left unchecked, powerful interests could encroach on lands, which can affect many rightful owner.