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A clash between residents of Tontokrom and security personnel from Asanko Mine Limited that led to the death of three people has prompted a security council meeting to be chaired by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South Clement Kwaku Poku.
Managers of Asanko Gold and opinion leaders in the Tontokrom community will be part of this engagement as local authorities take steps to resolve the current impasse.
The incident which occurred on Saturday (2 March), escalated when the armed personnel reportedly fired gunshots, leading to the death of a resident. In retaliation, enraged locals lynched two members of the private security team and severely injured another.
Amansie South DCE Clement Kwaku Poku confirms one arrest has been made indicating the District Security Council has taken over the case.
“It was a clash between Asanko’s private security and that of the town folks and unfortunately there was a gunshot from the private security which unfortunately hit one of the town folks. So angrily they [the town folks] chased the private security men out, got hold of them, and lynched them”, Kwaku Poku narrated.
“The company’s name has been mentioned it is a legally licensed company operating within the district. So, there will be a District Security Committee (DISEC) meeting between the management of Asanko and the chiefs and opinion leaders to find a lasting solution to this development…So far, the police have arrested one of the security men who was on site this morning. The briefing is that he is receiving medical treatment to assist police investigation but for now, calm has been restored”.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken by the police and deposited at the morgue.
Many of the youth in Tontokrom have turned to illegal mining and other social vices due to a lack of decent job opportunities. The community has conflicted with Asanko Mines over accusations of locals trespassing on their legally acquired concessions, often resulting in alleged military brutality.
This latest incident follows a protest staged by residents on Friday (1 March) demanding the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme to address ongoing disputes. Even though authorities are yet to succumb to this pressure, there are fears the development could jeopardize the security of the mining town.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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