Drama unfolded at the Kotoku Palace in Akim Oda on Wednesday when Chief of Akokoaso in Ofoase Ayirebi constituency in Eastern Region Nana Asare Bediako III, accompanied by hundreds of residents, presented a case against Jia Xin Industrial Mining Company Limited, alleging mistreatment of locals.
Over three hundred members of the Akokoaso community, donned in black attire, rallied at the palace, chanting songs of protest and invoking divine intervention for justice from Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, King of Kotoku.
Charles Frimpong, Assembly Member of Akokoaso, detailed instances of clashes between local youth and Jia Xin’s security forces, citing land encroachments as the root cause.
“The arbitrary detention of fifteen young men by Jia Xin has instilled fear and panic in Akokoaso,” stated Frimpong, presenting evidence to the King.
In response, Mr. Wang Yandong, representing Jia Xin Industrial Mining Limited, remained evasive during questioning and called for peace.
Observing the proceedings, Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV remarked, “The periodic skirmishes stem from Jia Xin’s lack of social license.”
Chastising Jia Xin’s management, he urged Wang Yandong to drop Court case against the 15 youth on remand within 24 hours as a gesture of goodwill toward peaceful coexistence with Akokoaso community to help de-escalate tension in the community.
Jia Xin Industrial Mining Company Limited took over the prospecting license from Ofosua Mining and Construction Company, approved by then Minister John Peter Amewu in 2018.
The company has since been accused by the community of illegal underground mining blasting old shafts causing damages to buildings and encroaching farmlands.
This has led to multiple confrontations between the community and the company.
The 15 youth were arrested a few weeks ago by the Akyem Oda Divisional Police at the behest of Jia Xin for alleged illegal mining on their concession.
Subsequently on February 10, 2024 gunmen numbering 15 stormed the site of the company and shot some of the Chinese expatriates and absconded with huge monies and gold bars.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
