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Tontokrom Tensions: Asanko Gold Slams Intimidation Claims
Asanko Gold Ghana has strongly denied accusations that it is using military personnel to intimidate residents of Tontokrom, a mining community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.
The company’s statement, released on Monday, July 28, came in response to a press conference held by some community members two days earlier, alleging that Asanko had deployed the military to create fear amid ongoing tensions over mining operations.
Describing the allegations as “false and misleading,” Asanko Gold clarified that the military presence is part of a nationwide security operation led by the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Chamber of Mines to protect legal mining concessions from illegal mining activities.
“The deployment is not punitive and is not aimed at intimidating anyone,” said Charles Amoah, EVP and Managing Director of Asanko Gold. “It is a lawful intervention designed to safeguard lives, the environment, and legal mining operations.”
The company stressed that prior stakeholder engagements were held with local authorities and traditional leaders under the guidance of the District Security Councils (DISEC) of Amansie South and Amansie West.
Asanko Gold also noted that similar security operations in other mining areas had been met with voluntary compliance by illegal miners and expressed optimism for the same cooperation in Tontokrom.
Reaffirming its dedication to open dialogue, community development, and peaceful coexistence, Asanko Gold urged the public to disregard the allegations and pledged to continue collaborating with all stakeholders to promote responsible mining.
Source: Justice Baffour,CEO//www.dailywatchgh.com
