A social commentator has questioned the government’s handling of mining companies linked to Ghanaian businesswoman Angela Atieh, alleging that recent actions against the businesswoman raise concerns about fairness, due process and the protection of local entrepreneurs.
In a statement, the commentator described Ms Atieh as a Ghanaian mining entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in the sector, and credited her with establishing NGUVU Holdings, which the writer described as one of the largest mining holdings in West Africa.
The statement listed five companies said to be under NGUVU Holdings: Adamus Resources Limited and Northern Ashanti Mines Company Limited in Ghana; Segala Mining Corporation in Mali; Samira Hill SA in Niger; and Poura Resources Limited in Burkina Faso.
It also noted that Ms Atieh who one-time married to Paul List of the BCM, an Australian ming firm serves as the First Vice-President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, having previously held the position of Second Vice-President until Junne this year.
The commentator alleged that the operating environment for Ms Atieh’s businesses had become increasingly difficult since the current government assumed office.
According to the statement, the government first took action against Adamus Resources Limited by revoking its mining lease.
The writer claimed that public criticism of the decision prompted the President to issue a subsequent statement aimed at addressing the controversy.
The commentator has now raised concerns over developments involving Northern Ashanti Mines Company Limited, alleging that personnel from National Security, the military and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) were involved in a takeover of the company.
The statement further alleged that the action took place despite existing court injunctions.
However, the specific court orders, their terms and the circumstances surrounding the operation were not provided in the statement.
The writer also alleged that there was an intention involving the Presidency, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the Minerals Commission to transfer Ms Atieh’s mining interests to other individuals allegedly connected to influential figures.
The statement suggested that some of the individuals were operating under the cover of Chinese companies.
It did not provide documentary evidence or identify the alleged beneficiaries.
The commentator questioned why a government that publicly promotes the protection of Ghanaian entrepreneurs would take actions that, in the writer’s view, threaten businesses owned by a Ghanaian woman who also employs Ghanaian workers.
The statement also criticised the Minerals Commission, arguing that its mandate should centre on regulating the mining industry, administering the relevant legal framework and safeguarding the integrity of the sector.
The writer accused the Commission of straying from that responsibility and questioned whether its actions were being used to undermine businesses without strong political connections.
The commentator called for consistency in the application of mining laws and urged public officials to respect the legal rights of business owners, including any court orders governing the companies.
The statement concluded with an appeal for public attention to the concerns surrounding Ms Atieh’s mining interests, insisting that Ghanaian entrepreneurs should receive equal treatment and protection regardless of their political connections.
