Mr. Charles Korenkye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of King Solomon and Kaasmil Mining Companies Ltd has petitioned the government through the Ashanti Regional Minister to intervene in a dispute over a mining concession at Tontokrom in the Amansie South District.
He wants the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure that the concession is returned to his company for peace to prevail.
Mr. Charles Korankye claims he legally acquired theTontokrom concession from the Minerals Commission and operated it since 1990.
He, however, complained that Asanko Gold Company Ltd and the youth of Tontokrom have unlawfully taken over the concession his company acquired legitimately since 1990.
According to Mr. Korankye, copies of documents of acquisition from the Minerals Commission, were sent to the Paramount Chief of Manso Nkwanta Traditional area, Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah, the then District Chief Executive, Mr. William Asante Bediako and the Amansie South District Assembly.
He alleged that the concession was taken away by Benvico Mining Company during the previous government for which he has taken legal action against Benvico to reclaim the concession.
The aggrieved miner complained that before the legalities commenced,Benvico sold the concession to another individual, who later sold it to Asanko Gold Company Ltd.
Currently, Asanko Gold Company Ltd and the Tontokrom youth are fighting over the same concession, which belongs to his (Korankye) company with legitimate documents and a license.
Mr. Korankye mentioned that machines belonging to his company are still at the site.
The petition comes after a section of Tontokrom residents engaged Asanko Gold Company in hostilities over the same concession claiming Asanko Gold Company Ltd has deployed military personnel to the area to protect Asanko Mines undera national security initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
The position of the youth is explained in the assurance by the former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, that the then government was committed to resolving the dispute between Asanko Gold Company Ltd and the Tontokrom community for a harmonious relationship between the company and the community.
The Minister had also suggested that Asanko Gold Company should consider supporting the affected youth with alternative employment or livelihood support.
Meanwhile, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Amoakohene, has calmed the nerves of the Tontokrom youth and urged them to exercise restraint and allow for peaceful dialogue to resolve the issue.
