Nzema East Assembly Launches Probe into Adelekezo –JAS Mining Clash

The Nzema East Municipal Assembly has launched a full-scale investigation into last weekend’s violent altercation between sections of the Adelekezo community youth and JAS Mining Company, an incident that led to the death of a 13-year-old boy and left several others injured.

In a statement signed by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Herbert Kuah Dickson, the Assembly condemned the actions of both parties, describing the incident as regrettable and noting that it resulted in loss of life, injuries and the destruction of property.

According to the Assembly, the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), led by the MCE, had earlier engaged the Adelekezo community in September 2025 as part of routine security operations. During that visit, the MUSEC taskforce arrested some Chinese nationals who were leaving the community.

Subsequent investigations by security agencies confirmed that JAS Mining Company is a legally registered large-scale mining firm, with authentic documentation cleared by the Minerals Commission and other regulatory bodies in the mining sector.

The Assembly further disclosed that during the September engagement, the MCE expressed dissatisfaction with community leaders and residents for failing to report the presence and activities of the mining company during earlier security visits.

At the time of the initial arrests, investigations also established that the company had not yet commenced mining operations.

Since that encounter in September, the Assembly said it has consistently engaged JAS Mining Company, requesting a detailed operational roadmap to guide its activities in the area prior to the recent disturbances.

Following the fatal clash, the Assembly has begun investigations to determine the root causes of the confrontation, with the aim of restoring calm and resolving tensions between the company and the community.

Authorities have also assured that proper stakeholder engagement will be pursued to promote peace, harmony, and coexistence.

The Assembly noted that where liability is established, appropriate steps would be taken to address medical expenses, loss of life and other related casualties arising from the incident.

The public has been urged to remain calm while investigations are carried out impartially.

The Assembly extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wished those injured a speedy recovery, assuring that the outcome of the investigations and the way forward regarding the company’s operations would be communicated to the public in due course.

Meanwhile, the Western Regional Police Command has launched investigations into a fatal shooting incident that occurred at the mining site on Saturday, December 13, 2025, resulting in the death of a boy and the destruction of several properties belonging to the company.

According to a police statement signed by Superintendent Olivia E.T. Adiku, a team dispatched to the scene found two four-wheel-drive SUV vehicles and two tipper trucks burnt, while a pickup truck and a Toyota Land Cruiser were also damaged during the disturbances.

Preliminary investigations indicate that some youth from Adelekezu clashed with private security personnel of the mining company during an alleged attempt to invade the concession.

In the ensuing struggle, the youth reportedly attempted to seize a pump-action gun from one of the security men. The guard resisted and fired a shot, which struck the boy.

 

The victim was rushed to the Axim Government Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The death sparked outrage among the youth, who allegedly went on a rampage at the mining site, setting company vehicles ablaze and threatening to lynch workers.

Police intervention led to the rescue of 11 workers from the site.

The Police also arrested five suspects – GyenNyameOwusu, 38; Matthew Asamah, 24; Nana Yaw, 15; Yaw Opoku, 16 and KojoAggyei, 21 – for causing harm and unlawful damage.

The Western Regional Police Command has appealed to residents of Adelekezu to remain calm and cooperate with investigations to ensure that justice is served.

 

 

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