The youth of Afuanta in the Western Region have called on government to urgently intervene in a growing dispute between the community and AngloGold Ashanti over access to a long-standing waste dump site and the recognition of the town within the company’s concession area.
At a press conference held on Thursday, May 22, 2026, at the Afuanta Community Center, the youth, led by their Assembly Member, Hon Joseph Hamilton, expressed frustration over what they describe as unfair treatment and exclusion despite bearing the environmental and social impacts of mining activities in the area.
According to the group, AngloGold Ashanti has refused to acknowledge Afuanta as part of its official concession area, even though portions of its operations reportedly fall on Afuanta lands. The youth argue that this has denied the community development support, employment opportunities, and benefits usually extended to host communities.
Waste Dump Dispute at the Center of Tensions
A major point of contention is a 30-year-old mining waste dump located on Afuanta land, which the community says predates the company’s current operations. Following discussions with management, the youth claim they were granted approval to process the waste as a local economic opportunity.
Encouraged by this approval, several young people reportedly invested in equipment and took loans to purchase tricycles and other machinery in anticipation of starting operations. However, they say access to the site was suddenly blocked the following day, leaving them stranded with debts and no source of income.
Calls for Government Takeover
The aggrieved youth are now demanding government intervention, calling for the operations to be transferred from AngloGold Ashanti to a Ghanaian operator. They argue that local management would ensure fairness, accountability, and employment opportunities for residents.
They also insist that Afuanta must be officially recognized as part of the mining catchment area, stressing that communities hosting mining activities deserve direct benefits and development support.
Voices from the Community
The Assembly Member for Afuanta, Hon. Hamilton said he supported the youth in pursuing the opportunity after being informed that the area was not formally recognized under the company’s concession.
He explained that after securing permits and investing in equipment, the youth were later denied access without clear justification. He called on government to intervene and consider handing the operation to a Ghanaian operator, referencing similar arrangements in other mining communities.
One investor, Mr. Appiah, expressed deep disappointment, stating that their investments had been rendered useless. He questioned why a waste site that has existed for over three decades should suddenly become inaccessible after local engagement.
A graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, who has been unemployed for several years, also shared his frustration. He said he had taken loans to invest in equipment after being assured of access, only to be blocked without explanation, leaving him financially strained and without hope of employment.
Growing Tension and Appeal for Dialogue
The situation has raised concerns about community-company relations and the management of mining benefits in host communities. The youth are urging government and relevant stakeholders to step in quickly to prevent further tension and restore trust between Afuanta and mining authorities.
For now, the community insists that justice, recognition, and fair opportunity remain at the heart of their demands.
Source: Backstage convo
