Gunshots and arrests spike tension over Nawara mining dispute in Nsuapemso
Gunfire and arrests heighten fear in Nsuapemso over mining concession clash
Residents of Nsuapemso in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region faced fresh panic when gunshots echoed for minutes during a security sweep at Nawara Mining Company.
The operation unfolded on Thursday October 1 2026 when personnel from the National Security Service, the Military and the Ghana Police Service descended on the company's offices to detain the Managing Director the Accountant and other staff.
Two individuals were reported injured during the chaos and were rushed to a nearby clinic for treatment.
The Queenmother of Nsuapemso, Obaapayin Kyerewaa I, said the sound of gunfire sent many community members scrambling for safety while others were forced to stay indoors throughout the operation.
She voiced worry that such incidents signal a worrying rise in insecurity linked to mining activities in the area.
The arrests are part of an escalating dispute between Nawara Mining Company and CMS & A&A PRO Mining Company over who holds the right to operate the concession.
Nawara alleges that its mining lease was revoked despite a court injunction granted on February 19 2026 that allowed it to continue operations while the legal battle was resolved.
The company further claims that armed men and civilians previously stormed its site seized equipment and gold bearing materials and damaged key infrastructure.
Nawara filed a petition with the Criminal Investigations Department to probe an alleged raid on August 12 in which it says a death occurred and over GH¢100 million worth of gold and concentrate was taken.
No independent verification of these claims has been made yet and the full facts remain under investigation.
The confrontation marks the latest flashpoint in a long running struggle over the mining lease which was first awarded in 2011 and renewed in 2020 with validity extending to 2029.
Control of the expansive gold mining area around Akyem Hemang and Nsuapemso remains at the heart of the conflict.
Authorities say the situation is being monitored closely as investigations proceed and as both sides prepare their next moves in what has become a high stakes contest for the concession.
