A/R: 23 Amansie South Communities demonstrate against ‘cheating’ Asanko Gold Mines
About 1000 residents in 23 communities at Amansie South District in the Ashanti region on Wednesday 20th October embarked on massive demonstration over what they described as community neglect and cheat on the Asanko Gold mines com. LTD.
These communities include Manso Adubia, Manso Nkran, Subin, Subin, Kenieago and many others.
In an interview with OTEC FM’s Evans Agyei Sikapa, leader of the youth, Peter Awen stated that Asanko Gold Mines has failed to fulfill its social responsibility towards the community despite its continuous operation in the community since they began operating in the area since 2017. He said Asanko Gold Mines failed to contribute to the community’s responsibility fund after several talks and a court ruling against them.
There was an agreement between the communities and Asanko Mines to give us two dollars for every ounce of gold they mine as their social responsibility but they haven’t given us a pesewa and currently, the money amounts to about $5M. We have reported this issue to our chief, the police commander and other stakeholders of the district yet, no results.” He lamented.
The youth also want Asanko mines to fulfil their part of a section of their agreement which a 60% slot of job vacncies be given to residents and indegins of the District.
Presenting a petition to management of the mining firm, Piero as Mr. Awen is populary known in the area echoed that, should Asanko Gold mines failed to meet their demands in 2 weeks time, they (youth) will take the laws into their hands and storm the premises to close down the company.
Head of Security and safety at the Asanko Gold mines Nana Amoako who received the petition on behalf of management assured the youth that the concerns will be taken into consideration after management of the firm meets for redress.
District Chief Executive for Amansie South, Clement Gyamfi Opoku (Hon. CID) whom was also petitioned urged the youth to calm down as he was going to ensure that what is due the District is given. He admitted the mining company is supposed to give the community two dollars for every ounce of gold as part of the social responsibility forum agreement but have failed to give the community their royalties.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Evans Agyei Sikapa
