Authorities in Nyinahin, Ashanti Region, have issued a strong warning to the Ghanaian government, demanding that any bauxite refinery be established in their town or no mining should take place at all.
Speaking at a press conference, local leaders accused successive governments of deliberately sidelining Nyinahin which holds an estimated 45-50% of Ghana’s bauxite deposits in favor of Sefwi Awaso (15%) and Kyebi (5%), despite their significantly smaller reserves.
“Sabotage Against Asanteman”
The Nyinahin authorities claim the decision to build a bauxite refinery anywhere other than Nyinahin is an orchestrated act of economic sabotage against Asanteman (the Ashanti Kingdom).
“It is completely illogical to set up a refinery in Awaso or Kyebi when Nyinahin holds the majority of Ghana’s bauxite deposits,” one of the leaders stated. “This is a clear attempt to deprive our people of the economic benefits that rightfully belong to us.”
They pointed out that former President Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP government attempted to build a refinery in Kyebi, his hometown, despite the area holding just 5% of the nation’s bauxite reserves. Now, they say, President Mahama and the NDC government are also neglecting Nyinahin and proposing to set up the refinery in Awaso, which holds only 15% of the country’s bauxite.
A Strong Warning: “No Refinery, No Mining”
In a resolute stance, the Nyinahin leaders have vowed to block any company from mining their bauxite unless their demand for a local refinery is met.
“If the government is not ready to establish a refinery in Nyinahin, then they should leave our bauxite to rot,” a speaker declared. “We will not sit back and allow outsiders to exploit our resources while our people remain in poverty.”
The threat raises serious concerns about potential disruptions to Ghana’s bauxite industry, as Nyinahin’s vast reserves are crucial to the country’s industrialization agenda and bauxite exports.
What’s Next?
The government has not yet officially responded to the ultimatum, but tensions are expected to escalate if authorities do not address Nyinahin’s grievances. With Ghana’s bauxite industry poised for expansion under the Integrated Aluminium Development Plan, the refusal of Nyinahin to allow mining could delay major projects and spark a wider political debate about resource allocation and regional development.
As the standoff unfolds, all eyes are on the government’s next move will they reconsider Nyinahin’s demands, or risk losing access to the country’s largest bauxite reserve?
