The pre-dawn hours of Thursday, December 12, 2024, witnessed a violent and chaotic invasion of Adamus Mines, a mining facility owned by Angela List. A heavily armed group, reportedly under the leadership of Isaac Ackun, an employee of BCM Ghana Limited, and Laurent GABA, a Togolese national illegally residing in Ghana and an associate of Paul List, stormed the premises, unleashing a wave of destruction and violence. The attack, seemingly orchestrated to illegally seize control of the mine, left a trail of devastation in its wake, with millions of cedis worth of property damaged or destroyed. Mining equipment, vehicles, and administrative offices were among the casualties of the brutal assault, leaving employees traumatized and the company’s operations severely disrupted.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the unfolding events. The assailants forcibly entered the mining facility, overwhelming security measures and immediately resorting to violence. Employees present at the time were subjected to attacks, creating a scene of panic and terror. The systematic destruction of equipment and infrastructure suggests a deliberate attempt to cripple the mine’s operations and potentially facilitate a hostile takeover. The level of violence employed and the apparent premeditation of the attack underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for the security of mining operations in the region.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Western Regional Police Command point towards a calculated plan to wrest control of Adamus Mines from its rightful owner, Angela List. The connection between the attackers, particularly Isaac Ackun’s employment at BCM Ghana Limited and Laurent GABA’s association with Paul List, suggests a possible conspiracy involving external actors with vested interests in the mine. The motive behind the attack appears to be rooted in a desire to unlawfully acquire the valuable mining assets, potentially for personal gain or corporate advantage.
Swift action by the Western Regional Police Command resulted in the apprehension of Isaac Ackun, Laurent GABA, and their accomplices. They are currently in custody, assisting with ongoing investigations. The police are working diligently to unravel the intricate details of the attack, including identifying all individuals involved, determining the precise sequence of events, and establishing the full extent of the damages incurred. This investigation is crucial not only for bringing the perpetrators to justice but also for understanding the underlying motivations and preventing similar incidents in the future.
In the aftermath of the attack, a representative of Adamus Mines expressed strong condemnation, characterizing the incident as a “premeditated and unlawful invasion.” The representative appealed to the government to ensure that justice is served and that appropriate measures are implemented to protect mining companies from such violent incursions. This call for enhanced security measures highlights the vulnerability of mining operations and the need for proactive steps to safeguard these vital economic assets. The incident also raises concerns about the broader security landscape and the potential for further attacks if adequate preventative measures are not put in place.
Solomon Owusu, President of Lands & Mines Watch, an organization dedicated to promoting ethical and sustainable mining practices, issued a stern warning to any individuals or groups contemplating similar illegal actions against Adamus Resources. He vowed to vehemently resist any attempts to defraud Ghanaians through such illicit means, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the country’s mining interests and ensuring responsible resource management. This strong stance underscores the importance of community vigilance and the collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s mining sector. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the industry and the need for continuous efforts to combat illegal activities and promote responsible mining practices.
