Member of Parliament (MP) for Amenfi Central in the Western Region , Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has made an emotional appeal to the Government of Ghana, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the country’s security agencies to urgently intervene in what she describes as an increasingly frightening security situation in the constituency.
The MP, speaking with deep concern over reports of shootings, killings, destruction of mining equipment, and attacks involving small-scale mining communities, says the situation in Amenfi Central has reached an alarming stage and requires immediate national attention.
In an emotional statement released on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe expressed disappointment and sadness over the reported incidents, warning that residents, particularly small-scale miners and businesspeople, are living in fear for their lives.
“AMENFI CENTRAL IS BLEEDING! AMENFI CENTRAL IS CRYING! AMENFI CENTRAL IS DYING!” she lamented.
According to the MP, disturbing reports have emerged over the past two weeks concerning shootings, alleged killings, burning of excavators, destruction of mining equipment, and small-scale miners reportedly fleeing into nearby bushes to escape danger.
She indicated that reports reaching her suggest that seven people have lost their lives in recent incidents, with additional reports of another violent incident emerging on Wednesday.
However, she stressed that the precise number of casualties remains to be independently established.
SEVEN REPORTED DEATHS SPARK FEAR
The MP expressed particular concern about the reported loss of lives, noting that the situation has become increasingly frightening since last Friday.
She explained that conflicting accounts have been circulating about the individuals and agencies allegedly involved in the operations.
According to her, some reports mention personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), while others refer to military personnel, police officers, immigration officers, and individuals allegedly acting on behalf of mining concession owners.
The MP said these conflicting reports have created confusion, fear, and uncertainty among residents.
She therefore demanded answers from the appropriate authorities, insisting that the people of Amenfi Central deserve to know who is behind the reported violence, who authorised the operations, and whether all those involved are acting within the confines of Ghanaian law.
She also called for an independent investigation into allegations that some individuals have been demanding money from miners and that violence allegedly followed when certain miners refused to comply.
She emphasised that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable must face the full rigours of the law.
‘MINERS ARE HUMAN BEINGS, NOT ANIMALS’
In one of the strongest portions of her statement, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe called on the authorities to recognise the humanity and constitutional rights of small-scale miners, irrespective of their legal status.
She clarified that her appeal should not be interpreted as an endorsement of illegal mining or activities that destroy Ghana’s environment.
Rather, she maintained that the fight against illegal mining must be conducted within the framework of the law and respect for human rights.
According to her, individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining should be arrested, investigated, prosecuted where appropriate, and given the opportunity to defend themselves before a competent court.
She strongly condemned any situation in which individuals could allegedly lose their lives during mining-related enforcement operations.
“YOU CANNOT SIMPLY KILL PEOPLE BECAUSE OF GOLD OR MINING CONCESSIONS!” she declared.
She further stressed that no amount of gold, mining equipment, concession ownership, political influence, or financial interest could ever justify the unlawful taking of human life.
The MP described the miners as fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and breadwinners whose families depend on them for survival.
She painted a painful picture of families waiting for loved ones who may never return home, children potentially growing up without their fathers, and parents being forced to bury their children because of preventable violence.
PRESIDENT MAHAMA, INTERIOR AND DEFENCE MINISTERS CALLED UPON
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe has directly appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for the Interior, the Minister for Defence, the Inspector-General of Police, National Security, the Military High Command, and all relevant security institutions to urgently intervene.
She wants a coordinated security response to restore calm and protect residents.
The MP believes that the situation requires more than statements of concern, insisting that concrete action must be taken to prevent further loss of lives.
Among the measures she is demanding are:
Immediate deployment and coordination of appropriate security resources to protect residents and mining communities.
An independent investigation into all reported shootings and killings.
Investigations into allegations of extortion and unlawful demands for money.
Verification of the identities and authority of individuals involved in the reported operations.
Investigations into the destruction and burning of mining equipment.
Medical assistance for injured victims.
Support and assistance for bereaved families.
Accountability for anyone found to have committed unlawful acts, regardless of political affiliation, rank, authority, or influence.
She maintained that residents should not be left to endure fear and uncertainty while the relevant authorities remain silent.
NDC LEADERSHIP URGED TO RUSH TO AMENFI CENTRAL
The MP also made a passionate appeal to the leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress to come to the aid of the constituency.
She called on national executives, regional executives, constituency executives, branch executives, and party faithful to unite in addressing the crisis.
According to her, the people of Amenfi Central have demonstrated their support for the party over the years and deserve to enjoy peace, security, and development.
She warned that the reported incidents could undermine public confidence, damage the image of the party, and create unnecessary political tensions within the constituency.
She expressed concern that individuals could potentially be using violence and intimidation to pursue personal interests, settle disputes, or tarnish the image of political leaders.
However, she was careful to state that the identities and motives of those responsible have not yet been established.
The MP insisted that nobody should be allowed to use human lives as instruments in political battles or personal disagreements.
“These are our people. These are the people who trusted us. These are the people who supported us. They deserve to live in peace,” she appealed.
FAMILIES REPORTEDLY LIVING IN FEAR
Beyond the political and security implications, the MP drew attention to the devastating humanitarian consequences of the reported violence.
She said some individuals were reportedly hiding in nearby bushes because they feared returning to their homes.
Others, she noted, were struggling with uncertainty over the safety and whereabouts of their relatives.
The situation has reportedly left some families unable to sleep or carry out their normal daily activities.
She described the circumstances as heartbreaking, particularly for families who may have lost their breadwinners.
The MP also appealed to the public to exercise restraint when sharing disturbing photographs and videos from the affected communities.
She urged social media users to respect the dignity and privacy of victims and their families while investigations continue to establish the facts.
CALL FOR PEACE AND RESPONSIBLE MINING
Despite her strong condemnation of the reported incidents, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe reiterated her commitment to responsible mining, environmental protection, and lawful enforcement of Ghana’s mining regulations.
She called on small-scale miners to remain calm, avoid confrontations with security personnel, and prioritise their personal safety.
She also encouraged genuine security officers to carry out their duties professionally and ensure that all operations respect the rights and dignity of residents.
The MP maintained that the fight against illegal mining should not become a justification for unlawful violence.
She argued that Ghana must be able to protect its environment while simultaneously protecting the lives and constitutional rights of its citizens.
AMENFI CENTRAL NEEDS DEVELOPMENT, NOT BLOODSHED
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe expressed disappointment that instead of concentrating on development priorities such as roads, schools, hospitals, employment opportunities, and improved living conditions, the people of Amenfi Central are now confronted with reports of shootings, destruction, fear, and deaths.
She questioned whether this was the future residents deserved.
The MP said the constituency should be discussing opportunities for young people, improved infrastructure, economic development, and better living standards rather than repeatedly mourning the loss of lives.
She appealed to traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations, political leaders, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to support efforts to restore lasting peace.
She also called on religious institutions to remember affected families in their prayers.
‘NO GOLD IS WORTH A HUMAN LIFE’
Concluding her emotional appeal, the MP said her intervention was motivated by concern for human life rather than partisan political considerations.
She extended her condolences to families who have reportedly lost loved ones and wished injured victims a speedy recovery.
She also prayed for the safety of small-scale miners, businesspeople, children, and all innocent residents of the constituency.
Her central message was clear: mining enforcement must be lawful, human lives must be protected, and anyone responsible for unlawful killings must be held accountable.
“NO GOLD IS WORTH A HUMAN LIFE. NO CONCESSION IS WORTH A HUMAN LIFE. NO POLITICAL INTEREST IS WORTH A HUMAN LIFE,” she emphasised.
She ended with an urgent appeal to the Government and all relevant stakeholders to act before more lives are lost.
“PLEASE SAVE AMENFI CENTRAL BEFORE WE LOSE MORE LIVES!”
THE BIG QUESTION: WHO WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY?
The unfolding situation in Amenfi Central raises serious questions about public safety, mining enforcement, security accountability, and the protection of citizens in mining communities.
While the reported incidents and allegations require independent verification, the concerns raised by the MP underscore the urgent need for transparency, credible investigations, and decisive action from the relevant authorities.
The people of Amenfi Central deserve answers. The bereaved families deserve justice. The injured deserve medical attention, and residents deserve to live without fear.
The Government must ensure that all allegations are properly investigated and that anyone found responsible for criminal conduct is brought to justice.
For now, the appeal from the MP is simple but urgent.
