A/R: Manso Tontokrom community clashes with military over mining site dispute

A tense standoff occurred in Manso Tontokrom, a mining community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, as residents clashed with armed military personnel over a disputed mining site.

The conflict arose when over a hundred youth blocked the entry of military personnel to their mining site, protesting what they perceive as an attempt by Asanko Gold Mines, a large-scale mining company, to take over their land.

The youth, led by Richmond Osei, claim in an interview with journalists on Saturday said, they are engaged in community mining, not illegal mining, and accuse the company of using military force to bully them off their land.

Osei emphasized that the community has mined on their land for decades and will not relinquish it to foreigners.

The community’s frustration stems from the company’s perceived lack of development in the area, leaving youths unemployed and the community dusty.

This is not the first clash between the community and the mining company.

Last year, a deadly confrontation resulted in the deaths of one community member and two soldiers.

However, this time, the protest remained peaceful, with the youth burning tires and invoking the gods to curse those behind the military invasion.

The military personnel eventually left the scene without incident, and the community has since returned to calm, with residents resuming their businesses.

The youth are calling on the government to intervene and settle the issue once and for all, refusing to give up their land.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng