Tension has engulfed the Manso Tontokrom community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, following the deployment of over a hundred fully armed military personnel to the area.
The operation, allegedly backed by Asanko Gold Mines, has sparked outrage among residents who claim the mining company was tormenting them with soldiers, to evacuate them from their land.
The situation in Tontokrom remains volatile, with residents vowing to resist what they perceive as oppressive measures by the mining company. The conflict borders on the complex issues surrounding mining rights and community interests.
The dispute between Tontokrom community and Asanko Gold Mines dates back to several years, with local folk accusing the company of denying them access to lands they have worked on over the years.
The Residents, chanting war songs amid invocation of curses, claim the land was their only means of survival and have decided to resist any forceful takeover.
Isaac Nyarko, a youth leader in Tontokrom expressed frustration over the mining company’s actions, stating that Asanko Mines has consistently used soldiers to harass them, resulting in the deaths of some community members and causing physical challenges to others.
The community has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and prevent further bloodshed. They are demanding an immediate withdrawal of all armed security personnel from the area to ease tension.
The traditional leaders have also proposed the establishment of an independent committee of inquiry to investigate past incidents and recommend compensation for victims.
To address the crisis, the traditional leaders have outlined a series of demands aimed at fostering a peaceful resolution. These include immediate withdrawal of armed personnel and armed security personnel from the area to ease tension.
They also want an Independent Committee of Inquiry to probe the matter, establishment of an independent committee to investigate past incidents and recommend compensation for victims.
The traditional leaders have also recommended the creation of a legally recognised community mining scheme for residents to reduce friction and clarify concession boundaries.
Meanwhile, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, together with the Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council, Representative of Minerals Commission and Mr Frank Asare, the National Coordinator of the government New flagship policy, Responsible Cooperative mining and Skills Development Programme, and Mr Isham Alhasaan, Presidential Staffer in charge of Coordinating government programmes in the Ashanti region, have visited the area.
He called for calm and restraint between the Tontokrom community and Asanko Gold Mine, following concerns over the community’s alleged takeover of the mine’s legal concession.
The Minister interacted with the community and their leaders to acquaint himself with the issues at hand and find a peaceful resolution.
The Minister emphasised the need for cool heads and restraint, ensuring that the situation does not escalate into confrontations or insecurity.
He assured the community that the government was committed to protecting the rights of all parties involved and finding a solution that benefits everyone.
The visit, he said, would enable the Regional Coordinating Council to take an informed decision to settle the matter amicably devoid of any further escalation.
The Minister explained that if the community has documentation indicating that the concession belongs to them, the government could negotiate with Asanko Gold Mine to block an area for the community.
However, if the community is working without documentation, they would need to go through cooperative mining to obtain the necessary documentation and operate legally.
