Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has urged the chiefs and youth of Tontokrom to remain calm as he works to resolve their concerns regarding the activities of military personnel at Asanko Mines.
Speaking to the media in response to a viral video that he claims misrepresented the situation, the Minister clarified his position. While he acknowledged receiving a petition from the community, he denied promising to withdraw the military personnel from the mining site.
“The Chiefs and Youth recently petitioned me about how Asanko Mines have been dealing with the indigenes, including some of the youth who are engaged in small-scale mining, and the allegation that military officers were being used to perpetrate brutalities on illegal miners,” the Minister explained.
Minister’s Assurance and Clarification
Dr. Amoakohene stated that his promise to the community was to “work out a solution for all parties involved,” not to remove the military presence. “Nowhere did I say I will cause the withdrawal of military persons protecting the concessions of Asanko Mines,” he emphasized. He noted that the issues presented to him can be solved through the collaborative involvement of all parties.
“I am working on the issues presented to ensure that together we can settle them for the people of Tontokrom and Asanko Mines, but nowhere did I promise to work to withdraw military officers working for the company,” the Minister reiterated.
Background of the Incident
The Minister’s statement follows reports from a few weeks ago of three deaths in Tontokrom, a community in the Amansie enclave. The deaths were allegedly caused by individuals associated with Asanko Mines. This incident prompted the youth of the town to organize a demonstration and present a formal petition to the Regional Minister. Following the receipt of the petition, the Minister met with the chiefs and youth and promised to facilitate a solution to the issues raised.
