A wave of anger and anxiety is sweeping through Manso Tontokrom in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, as residents accuse Asanko Gold Mines of deploying military personnel to a disputed mining concession—without legal backing or community consultation.
The development has reignited a long-running conflict between the mining company and the local community, with fears growing that the situation could spiral into another deadly confrontation.
Residents say they recently spotted uniformed soldiers guarding parts of the concession area, despite no official agreement allowing such action. The community views this as an act of intimidation and a violation of their rights.
The tensions are not new. In 2024, a violent clash between residents and private security personnel hired by the company left three people dead—one shot by security forces and two security men lynched in retaliation by angry youth.
Asanko’s Actions Could Spark Another Bloodbath” – Youth Warn Over Renewed Military Presence
A Youth Activist at the community, Noah Antwi, has described the military presence as both unnecessary and dangerous.
“Time and again, Asanko Gold Mines brings in soldiers to protect areas they have no rightful claim to. These actions stem from negligence and lack of respect for our people,” he told Fatawu Bayaga during an interview on the Orange Headline News.
“We’re pleading with government to step in now before things get out of hand. We don’t want another bloodbath like last year,” he added.
He also criticized the company for doing little to support the community despite its large-scale operations.
“They’ve done nothing meaningful for us—not even proper housing for their staff. Yet they try to claim ownership of lands that aren’t theirs. We will not sit quietly,” Antwi added.
Residents are calling on the government and regulatory bodies to intervene immediately and de-escalate the growing tension.
