The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has rejected calls for the withdrawal of military personnel stationed at a disputed gold mining concession in Tontokrom, warning residents against any confrontation with the security team.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, issued the caution following protests by youth from the Amansie South District community.
The group had marched to the Regional Coordinating Council demanding the evacuation of the military, who have been deployed to secure the concession from illegal miners.
The gold-rich area of Tontokrom has been at the centre of a long-standing dispute between the community and Asanko Gold Mining Company, with both parties claiming rights to the land.
Tensions have intensified in recent months, as some local youth reportedly resumed illegal mining activities on the site.
According to the protestors, Asanko Gold has yet to properly gazette the disputed concession, and therefore lacks legitimate ownership.
The situation has led to occasional clashes between the youth and private security personnel guarding the concession on behalf of the company.
But Dr. Amoakohene says the military presence will remain in place while investigations into the rightful ownership of the concession continue. He urged the community to exercise restraint and halt any operations in the area to prevent further conflict.
“The security is there to protect the concession while legal processes are ongoing,” the Minister said. “We will engage the military leadership to ensure their operations do not escalate tensions, but we will not allow unlawful activities to continue.”
The Regional Minister assured the youth of further dialogue but insisted that due process must guide the resolution of the dispute.
Source: Nana Yaw Gyimah | Adom News
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