In a tragic turn of events, an altercation between residents of Manso Tontokrom and Private Security personnel, tasked with protecting the Asanko Gold Mines Limited’s concession, has resulted in the death of three individuals.
The violent clash unfolded on Saturday when tensions flared, leading the security personnel to allegedly resort to gunfire, claiming the life of a resident. In a retaliatory act, angered locals lynched two members of the private security team and inflicted severe injuries on another.
Manso Tontokrom, situated in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti region, has long been plagued by allegations of brutality by military officers and hired individuals aiming to prevent illegal miners from encroaching on the mining company’s concession.
The community, grappling with high unemployment rates, has witnessed about 90 per cent of its youth engaging in illegal mining activities and other social vices.
The conflict between Asanko Mines and the local population, has been ongoing, with accusations of military excesses against the community members. Seeking a resolution, the residents staged a protest on Friday, March 1, 2024, demanding the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme to address the recurring confrontations.
Unfortunately, the situation escalated on Saturday, resulting in a fatal clash between the residents and the Private Security team employed by Asanko Mines. The bodies of the deceased have been transported by the police and placed in the morgue.
Clement Opoku Gyamfi, the Municipal Chief Executive for Amansie South, confirmed the incident to Citi News, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
The clash underscores the deep-seated tensions between local communities and mining companies, shedding light on the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of such conflicts.
