A violent clash between residents of Manso Tontokrom and private security personnel assigned to safeguard Asanko Gold Mines Limited’s concession has resulted in the tragic loss of three lives.
The altercation, which unfolded on Saturday, took a deadly turn when the security personnel allegedly discharged gunshots, leading to the fatal shooting of a resident. In retaliation, enraged locals reportedly lynched two members of the private security team, causing severe injuries to another.
For several years, inhabitants of Manso Tontokrom have voiced grievances regarding alleged brutality perpetrated by military officers and hired individuals tasked with preventing illegal miners from encroaching on the mining company’s concession in the area.
Situated in the Amansie South District in the Ashanti Region, Manso Tontokrom is a community grappling with a lack of decent employment opportunities, particularly for its vibrant youth.
The ongoing struggle between the locals and Asanko Mines, which accuses residents of trespassing on their legally acquired concessions, has been a persistent source of tension. Locals claim that military personnel deployed to curb illegal mining activities have subjected them to harassment and brutality.
In response to these grievances, on Friday, March 1, 2024, residents staged a protest, demanding the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme to alleviate the ongoing tensions.
However, the situation escalated on Saturday, resulting in a violent confrontation between Manso Tontokrom residents and the private security personnel affiliated with Asanko Mines.
Following the tragic incident, law enforcement authorities intervened, retrieving the deceased bodies and depositing them at the morgue.
Pulse
