The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie West, Maurice Manu, has provided clarity on the recent violent clashes between residents and military personnel in Mpatuam, Ashanti Region, which left two people dead, including an Assembly Member.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Manu said the community had been largely peaceful until the recent chaos.
He attributed the tensions to activities at the Asanko Gold mining site.
“The source of the issue is the Asanko mining concession. Last month, Asanko made it clear to us that the government had given them the green light to operate, so we are aware that they are working there,” Manu said.
He explained that the Assembly Member was shot while trying to calm the situation.
“When I got to the scene, the military told me they were only firing warning shots to disperse the crowd. Unfortunately, one soldier’s gun discharged downwards, and it appears the Assembly Member was hit,” he noted.
Mr. Manu added that although initial reports suggested the victim was only shocked by the warning shots, hospital examinations confirmed it was indeed a gunshot wound.
He also reassured that calm has now returned to the area.
“For now, the situation is under control. People who fled have returned, and the soldiers are stationed at the Asanko camp to protect the site,” he said.
As the District Security Committee (DISEC) chairman, Manu stressed that ongoing engagement with Asanko and the local community remains a priority.
“We are still working closely with Asanko and the residents to ensure lasting peace in the community,” he added.
The clashes occurred on Monday and Tuesday when military personnel confronted residents allegedly attempting to invade one of Asanko Gold’s mining concessions, though the exact trigger of the confrontation remains under investigation.
Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
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