In a significant development in the mining industry, Nana Kwamina Bentum II, Chief of Salman in the Nzema East Municipal Assembly of the Western Region, publicly apologized to gold mining company Adamus Resources Limited for false allegations made by a family member.
The apology, reported on December 20, 2023, follows a press conference held by one Abraham Coffie, who accused Adamus Resources of misconduct.
During the press conference, Coffie, identified as a relative of Nana Kwamina Bentum II, accused the mining company of deceiving the Azawu Royal Family and failing to fulfil promises made to the community, including the construction of an ultramodern palace and job creation for the youth.
In response, Nana Kwamina Bentum II, dismissed the allegations as baseless and asserted that Coffie had no authority to represent the royal family in making such claims. The Chief emphasized that Coffie had been reprimanded and cautioned against repeating such actions.
“The allegations made by Abraham Coffie are false, he had no authority to hold a press conference in the name of the royal family and make such baseless accusations. That being said, we have reprimanded him and cautioned him never again to do what he did which he has assured the royal family will not repeat itself,” the Chief noted.
Contrary to Coffie’s claims, Chief Nana Kwamina Bentum II stated that Adamus Resources has fulfilled its promises to the community. The Chief praised the company for creating jobs in the Salman community and the adjoining 13 communities, providing lands for community mining, and contributing to various development projects such as schools, boreholes, and toilet facilities.
This aside Nana Kwamena Bentum II in an interview disclosed that some 720 people from the Salman community and the adjoining 13 communities have been employed to work in the mines owned by Adamus Resources.
He emphasised that “Adamus Resources has delivered on the promises it made to the royal family and the communities at large. It has provided jobs to residents in the 14 communities, the company has also made available lands for which the communities can use for community mining thereby creating more jobs. I can tell you that this company has also among others, built schools, boreholes and 26 toilet facilities for the various communities.”
“I must say the company has done a lot for the communities in which it is mining, and we are truly appreciative and grateful for the good things the company has done for the Salman Community and the other communities,” he added.
Another person who resides in the community who pleaded anonymity, spoke in support of Adamus Resources, refuting Coffie’s allegations. The resident acknowledged the positive impact of CEO Angela List, citing instances where she assisted the community, provided employment opportunities, and supported workers during periods of reduced mining activity.
Interestingly, the resident alleged that the accusations against Adamus Resources might be fuelled by personal motives, specifically mentioning one Paul List who is the estranged husband of Madam Andela List. According to the resident, Mr List maybe orchestrating a campaign against Adamus Resources using some members of the community for undisclosed reasons.
The resident who is a youth leader characterized the accusations and press conference as propaganda against Adamus Resources, emphasizing the need for community consultation by Abraham Cofie or any such persons before such public statements are made.
Adamus Resources Limited, the first mine owned by NguvuMining, has been operating in the Nzema Gold Project, contributing significantly to the local economy and community development. The Chief reiterated the continuous support of the royal family for the mining operations in the communities.
