Tension is mounting in the mining town of Manso-Tontokrom in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region as a long-standing dispute between the community and Asanko Gold Mines over mining concessions intensifies.
Confrontations between security forces and locals have often turned bloody, with Asanko Gold Mines accusing community members of invading its concession—a claim the residents strongly dispute.
In 2024, a clash between residents and private security personnel deployed to safeguard Asanko Gold Mines Limited’s concession left three individuals dead.
The confrontation escalated when security personnel reportedly opened fire, resulting in the death of a resident. In retaliation, enraged locals lynched two members of the private security team and severely injured another.
For years, residents have complained of alleged brutality by military officers and thugs deployed to prevent illegal mining on the company’s concessions. Manso-Tontokrom, a community with a vibrant but largely unemployed youth population, has seen about 90 per cent of its young people resort to illegal mining and other social vices due to a lack of decent jobs.
The youth have consistently clashed with Asanko Mines, which accuses them of invading its legally acquired concessions. These tensions have often led to reports of military brutality, with locals claiming security forces harass and abuse them under the guise of stopping illegal mining.
The latest concern stems from reports that Asanko Gold Mines is planning another military deployment to the area. Residents have vowed to resist such action and are appealing to authorities for intervention.
Community members and opinion leaders have called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to step in and find a lasting solution to what they describe as unwarranted brutality.
They are also urging the government to create sustainable mining opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth in the area.
Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin, the Mamahene of Manso-Tontokrom, criticized the lack of resolution under the previous administration despite several engagements.
“There have been engagements since the tenure of the previous District Chief Executive, but the issue keeps recurring. Our biggest concern is the continuous deployment of police and the military to harass us. Our forefathers didn’t use brute force to secure the land. We are appealing to the President and Asantehene to intervene. Asanko Mines must stay within its boundaries and leave the people of Tontokrom alone,” he said.
On Saturday, residents—mostly youth—wore red bands – and staged a peaceful protest to express their frustrations, urging the government to act swiftly.
One youth leader, Adam Musah, emphasized that mining remains the primary source of livelihood in the area. He warned that without sustainable mining opportunities, many young people would be pushed into joblessness and social vices.
He noted that mining activities had helped reduce crime, including robbery, and called on the government to fulfil its campaign promise to secure concessions for community members.
“Our appeal is simple—we’re asking the government and the President to support us. During the elections, they promised not to abandon us and to help us mine responsibly. Now, Asanko Gold Mines says it’s reclaiming its concessions. We need the government to step in and support our right to work,” he added.
The Amansie South District Security Council has since intervened, holding meetings with the parties involved in an attempt to prevent further violence and resolve the dispute.
Officials of Asanko Gold Mines, when contacted by Citi News, assured they would provide a response in due course.
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