Salman Youth Back Adamus And Urge Action Against Illegal Miners

Youth leaders in Salman in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region have thrown their support behind Adamus Mining Company and asked the public to reject claims they say are being used to damage the company's reputation and disturb peace in the area.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 17, and copied to government officials, traditional authorities, security agencies and the media, the group said recent allegations against the mining firm were false, misleading and calculated to undermine lawful mining operations in the community.

The youth alleged that some of the information being circulated came from persons believed to have links with illegal mining activities, widely known as galamsey. They argued that such campaigns do not only threaten the image of Adamus Mining Company, but also risk creating needless tension between the company and its host communities.

"We therefore urge the traditional authorities, the general public, community members and the media to disregard any false claims and rather rely only on verified information from official sources," the statement said.

Community leaders reject claims against Adamus

The statement was endorsed by the Chief of Salman, Nana Kwamena Bentum II, together with youth leaders and community representatives. The signatories included Justice Kwadwo Amuzu, Jonas Kabutey, Francis Whajah, Andrews Kofi Assuah, Barnabas Ewereko, Francis Kwao Mensah and Beatrice Amihere.

According to the group, the accusations being made against Adamus Mining Company are not supported by facts. They described the claims as baseless and malicious, insisting that they were designed to mislead the public and weaken the relationship between the company and the people living in its operational areas.

The youth said the company has been operating within Ghana's legal and regulatory framework. They also pointed to stakeholder engagement and community development initiatives as evidence that the company continues to maintain contact with residents and local authorities.

For them, the matter goes beyond one mining company. The group said responsible mining, when properly regulated and monitored, can support local economic development, create opportunities and protect the environment. They warned that illegal mining, by contrast, places communities at risk and undermines the rule of law.

Call for security agencies to act

The Salman youth appealed to state security agencies to investigate persons they believe are deliberately spreading misinformation and promoting illegal mining activities. They said false reports and galamsey operations both have consequences for public order, safety and environmental sustainability.

"We also call on the relevant state security agencies to investigate those deliberately spreading misinformation and promoting illegal mining activities since such practices threaten the peace, public safety, and the rule of law," the statement added.

The group urged residents, media houses, traditional leaders and the wider public to be cautious about unverified reports. They said official channels should be the basis for public discussion on mining activity in the area, especially where claims have the potential to inflame local tensions.

The appeal comes at a time when mining communities across the country continue to face pressure from illegal mining networks, environmental degradation and disputes over concessions. In such areas, accusations against licensed mining firms can quickly become flashpoints if they are not handled with verified information and lawful processes.

The youth maintained that any legitimate concern about mining operations should be raised through recognised community, regulatory and security channels. They said that approach would allow facts to be examined while protecting peace in Salman and nearby communities.

Development and peace in Salman

The group reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Salman and said it would continue to support initiatives that promote transparency, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. They stressed that community development must be pursued without allowing illegal mining interests to exploit public concern for private gain.

They also said Adamus Mining Company's engagement with host communities should be judged on verified evidence, including its compliance with Ghanaian law, its environmental commitments and its relationship with residents. The youth argued that public confidence in legitimate mining operations should not be weakened by rumours or coordinated misinformation.

Copies of the statement were sent to several state and security offices, including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Armah Kofi Buah. The Western Regional Minister, the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, divisional police commanders at Esiama and Axim, Bureau of National Intelligence offices in Ellembelle and Nzema East, and the media were also copied.

The statement placed the Salman youth firmly on the side of lawful mining and security enforcement. Their central message was clear: illegal mining must be confronted, public discussion must be based on verified facts, and peace in the Ellembelle mining belt must not be sacrificed to misinformation.

• The statement was issued on Friday, July 17.
• It was endorsed by the Chief of Salman and named youth representatives.
• The youth urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources.
• They called on security agencies to investigate alleged misinformation and illegal mining activity.