Paramount Chiefs Issue Ruthless Warning: Defy Protesters and Face Consequences

Paramount Chiefs from three traditional areas in the Asutifi North District have forcefully cautioned residents against staging planned demonstrations to protest Newmont Ghana’s proposed construction of double-sealed roads in the district, Ghanaian RADAR can report This development follows a formal notice served to the District Police Commander by Assembly Members and other stakeholders, indicating their intention to picket the mining giant on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The warning was issued by Nana Osei Kofi Abiri of Kenyasi No. 1, Nana Boadu Ayeboafo of Kenyasi No. 2, and Nana Twereku Ampem Ntotroso (representing Ntotroso) during a meeting with the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the Presiding Member (PM) on Friday, January 16. The chiefs stated that anyone defying their authority on this matter would be dealt with “ruthlessly.” The meeting with the traditional authorities occurred after the District Security Council (DISEC) met earlier that same day with the leaders of the intended demonstration. According to sources, the chiefs bluntly reminded the DCE and Presiding Member that they own all lands in the district and that any attempt to defy their directive would incur stiff punishment. Background of the Dispute The conflict centres on Newmont’s plans to construct double-sealed roads, locally known as ‘saapetee’, instead of asphalt roads. Assembly members and stakeholders argue that asphalt is more durable and essential for community safety and welfare. In a notice titled ‘NOTICE OF INTENDED PICKETING AGAINST THE CONSTRUCTION OF DOUBLE SEALED ROADS (SAPETEE)’, dated January 5, 2026, and signed by all district Assembly Members, they cited the rapidly deteriorating condition of similar roads in Ntotroso, Gyedu, and Wamahinso as evidence against the proposal. “As evidenced by the deteriorating conditions of the double sealed roads… which is less than one year, it is not advisable for any community to opt for double sealed road over asphaltic road,” the notice stated. Breakdown in Dialogue The notice further lamented a breakdown in engagements with Newmont’s representatives, Mr. Joseph Danso and Mr. Owusu Nkrumah Ababio. Despite multiple meetings and assurances, the Assembly Members declared they have “no confidence and trust” in the two men and will not engage with them in future deliberations on the issue. Planned Demonstration Details The now-disputed demonstration was scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 20, at the Forecourt of the Church of Pentecost (K2) in Kenyasi. The planned route was to proceed through the Kenyasi-Ntotroso road to the Newmont plant. “The purpose of our picketing is to reaffirm our demands for asphalt road construction for our town roads and to prevent Newmont from constructing any other type of roads,” the notice affirmed. Ghanaian RADAR gathered that the situation remains tense as the traditional authority’s stern warning hangs over the district, creating a standoff between community representatives and the chiefs over the contentious road construction plans.