Communities in the Western Region are celebrating after mining company SWED Mining successfully removed Chinese mining firm, Longshine from its large-scale concession at Prestea following years of alleged illegal operations, environmental destruction, and labour abuses.

The operation, which took place on May 6, 2026, reportedly led to the arrest of more than 22 Chinese nationals alleged to have been operating illegally on the concession despite repeated stop-work directives from the Minerals Commission and termination notices issued by SWED Mining.

The development was disclosed during a press conference addressed by the Chief of Prestea Gambia Alhassan, Nana Tibu, alongside residents and traditional authorities over the weekend.

Residents across surrounding communities described the operation as “freedom at last,” accusing the Chinese company of operating with impunity for years.

According to sources close to SWED Mining, Longshine entered the concession in 2019 under a Joint Venture Contract Mining Agreement to undertake mining activities on SWED Mining’s Prestea concession.

However, sources alleged that the company failed to comply with the commercial terms of the agreement and later engaged in unauthorized mining activities that exposed SWED Mining, as lease holder, to regulatory risks.

Industry insiders warned that failure to halt the alleged illegal activities could have exposed the concession to sanctions or possible revocation by regulators.

SWED Mining subsequently terminated the agreement and ordered Longshine to vacate the concession after what it described as repeated breaches of contract and disregard for lawful directives.

Sources alleged that despite several stop-work orders issued by the Takoradi office of the Minerals Commission, Longshine continued operating openly on the concession.

Some insiders further alleged that a senior regional mining official repeatedly shielded the company from enforcement action, while the company’s lawyer, reportedly a former Minerals Commission official, allegedly used his influence to protect the firm from sanctions.

According to SWED Mining officials, during one engagement over Longshine’s refusal to comply with a stop-work order, representatives of the company allegedly placed the lawyer on speakerphone, where he reportedly instructed them to continue operations.

The allegations have sparked concerns over possible corruption and abuse of influence within Ghana’s mining regulatory sector.

Chiefs and residents in communities surrounding the concession accused Longshine of destroying roads, damaging farms without compensation, and failing to employ local youth.

Residents also alleged that the concession was dominated by foreign workers, many of whom were reportedly operating on tourist visas instead of valid work permits.

Community members claimed even low-level jobs were occupied by Chinese workers while local youth remained unemployed.

Following the operation, some Ghanaian workers reportedly recounted poor working conditions and labour abuses at the site.

The workers accused the company of paying low salaries, failing to provide employment contracts or insurance, denying off days, and neglecting safety standards.

One worker reportedly alleged he lost a hand in a machine accident due to lack of training and protective equipment but had still not received compensation.

The allegations have triggered calls for investigations by the Labour Department and other state agencies into the company’s labour practices.

After several failed negotiations and legal processes, SWED Mining reportedly reclaimed control of the concession on May 6, leading to the removal of Longshine and the arrest of more than 22 Chinese nationals who were transferred to Accra for further investigations.

The development sparked celebrations in nearby communities, with residents describing the move as long overdue.

There are now growing calls for the Minerals Commission, Immigration Service, Labour Department, National Security, and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the activities of Longshine and any officials alleged to have protected the company.

Community leaders have also cautioned against attempts by influential individuals to interfere with ongoing investigations.

For many residents, the removal of Longshine represents more than the end of a mining dispute, but a broader stand against corruption, exploitation, and abuse within Ghana’s mining sector.