By Enock Akonnor
Close to 20 heavy-duty mining equipment belonging to Rabotec Ghana Ltd. were set ablaze on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, following a violent confrontation between the military and some aggrieved youth of Mpatoam and Aboabo of the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region.
According to information gathered by reporters, the destruction of the equipment, valued at over $28 million is believed to be a retaliatory act by enraged youth in response to the fatal shooting of the now deceased assemblyman of Aboabo electoral area during the skirmish.
The deceased is reported to have been gunned down during the fiery confrontation between the security personnel and the aggrieved youth.
Information coming in suggests that the attack on the equipment was carried out by the peeved residents, many of whom are allegedly involved in illegal small-scale mining activities.
Among the equipment destroyed beyond repair were drill rigs, tower lights, articulated dump trucks (ADT), bulldozers, excavators, pickup trucks, tipper trucks, etc.
During a site inspection by officials from Rabotec, the Minerals Commission, and Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd., journalists discovered amidst shock that only Rabotec’s equipment was targeted and destroyed, despite several subcontractors operating under Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd. at the site.
The big question now is; Why only the mining machineries of sub-contracted company (Rabotec Ghana Limited) targeted?
In a press statement issued by Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd., the company clarified that the violent confrontation took place within its operational concession in the Amansie west District.
The company confirmed in the statement that military personnel were deployed as part of a state-mandated security initiative coordinated through the Ghana Chamber of Mines to protect legally sanctioned mining activities.
“Tensions escalated within the local community, leading to civil unrest, an attack on military camps, and an invasion of operational areas,” the statement read.
“These events resulted in a fatality and extensive damage to contractor equipment.”
The company expressed its condolences to the bereaved families, stating:
“Asanko shares in the community’s grief over the tragic loss of life and extends its heartfelt condolences to the affected families during this difficult time.
We are working closely with local authorities, government officials, and community leaders to address the situation. The company remains committed to maintaining constructive dialogue with all stakeholders as investigations continue. Further updates will be provided once the investigations are concluded.”
Authorities have since launched a formal investigation into the incident, while security presence in the area has been heightened to prevent further unrest.
Source; www.leakyghana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
