Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, has pledged to resolve the ongoing dispute between the chiefs and people of Tontokrom in the Amansie South District and Asanko Gold Ghana.
Hon. Mireku Duker emphasized that bringing finality to this protracted issue will be one of the key legacies of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government. The conflict between the community and Asanko Gold Ghana has been a longstanding issue, primarily centered around the exploitation of gold resources in the Tontokrom area.
This dispute has not only stymied local development but has also led to tragic consequences. Earlier this year, tensions escalated into violent clashes between the community’s youth and security personnel stationed at the mining site, resulting in the death of a community member.
In response to the ongoing tension, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has held a series of meetings aimed at addressing the concerns of both parties. As part of these efforts, Hon. Mireku Duker embarked on a working visit to Tontokrom to engage directly with the leaders of the community and Asanko Gold Ghana.
His visit marked a crucial step in the government’s efforts to mediate and bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
During his visit, Hon. Mireku Duker first met with officials from Asanko Gold Ghana at their office. The deputy minister sought to understand the company’s perspective on the dispute and proposed several measures to improve the strained relationship between the mining firm and the local community.
Hon. Mireku Duker underscored the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship, noting that such unity is essential for the mutual success of both the company and the community.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the operations of Asanko Gold Ghana continue without further conflict.
“We have been engaging with the community to ensure that their concerns are addressed, and we will continue to facilitate dialogue and security measures to bring this matter to a peaceful resolution.”
Hon. George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
The Deputy Minister’s assurance came in response to the company’s plea for a swift resolution to the ongoing deadlock, which has significantly hindered its operations in the region.
Call for a Community Mining Scheme
While the primary purpose of Hon. Mireku Duker’s visit was to mediate the dispute between Asanko Gold Ghana and the Tontokrom community, the visit took a dramatic turn when the local youth voiced their own demands.
The residents of Manso Tontokrom, predominantly artisanal miners, called on the government to grant them a lease to establish a Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in their area. This request, which had been a point of contention for some time, was presented with a sense of urgency.
A large crowd of youth greeted the deputy minister upon his arrival, holding placards with messages like “No Community Mining, No Vote,” a clear indication of their frustration and determination.
The youth have threatened to boycott the upcoming December general election if their demand for the CMS is not met, signaling their willingness to leverage their political power to achieve their goals.
The youth’s insistence on the CMS stems from their desire to secure a sustainable livelihood through legal mining activities, rather than resorting to illegal and often dangerous mining practices.
The youth argued that a CMS would provide them with a legitimate means to work and contribute to the local economy while minimizing the environmental and social risks associated with unregulated mining.
Hon. Mireku Duker acknowledged the concerns of the community and assured them that the government is considering their request for a Community Mining Scheme. He emphasized the need for continued dialogue and patience as the government works to find a solution that benefits all stakeholders.
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