Nine mining companies sue Atti-Morkwa Paramount Chief over alleged illegal mining

The Paramount Chief of the Atti-Morkwa Traditional Area in the Central Region, Oseadeeyo Kwesi Kennin IV, already facing legal battles over allegations of illegal mining, is now confronted with a new lawsuit. Nine additional mining companies have filed legal action against the chief, accusing him of unlawfully mining on their lands, which intensifies his existing legal troubles.

According to these companies, Oseadeeyo Kwesi Kennin IV has trespassed on their designated mining areas, adding another layer of complexity to the lawsuits already filed against him. This new legal challenge follows an earlier suit by Kadesh Mining Enterprise, which had accused the chief of conducting unauthorized mining activities on their lands, also located in the Central Region. The previous case has yet to be resolved.

The nine companies involved in the latest lawsuit are seeking a court injunction to stop the chief and his associates from further encroaching on their lands. They are also demanding that the court order the restoration and reclamation of areas already affected by the alleged illegal mining activities.

During a court session held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, His Lordship Samuel Faraday Johnson, who is presiding over the case, decided to adjourn proceedings until October 28, 2024. The adjournment was made to allow for a ruling from the Kumasi High Court regarding jurisdiction in the related case involving Kadesh Mining Enterprise and the Paramount Chief.

The outcome of the ruling is likely to influence the ongoing legal proceedings, as both cases revolve around allegations of unauthorized mining activities on lands in the Central Region. These legal battles are mounting pressure on Oseadeeyo Kwesi Kennin IV, whose authority and actions as a traditional leader are being increasingly scrutinized due to the growing number of lawsuits filed against him.

With this latest development, the chief’s legal troubles continue to escalate, raising questions about the impact these cases may have on his position and the broader implications for traditional leadership in the area. The outcome of these court battles will be closely watched by both the mining community and residents of the Atti-Morkwa Traditional Area.