Three individuals have tragically lost their lives in a clash between residents of Manso Tontokrom in the Ashanti region and private security personnel of Asanko Gold Mines Limited. The incident, which occurred on Saturday March 2, turned deadly when the security personnel allegedly fired gunshots, resulting in the death of a resident.
Reports indicate that the deceased was among a group of residents who had trespassed on the company’s mining site. In retaliation, the residents attacked the Asanko Mines security personnel and two of them were lynched, with another security officer sustaining severe injuries.
According to a resident who witnessed the altercation, the conflict began when residents saw Asanko Mines vehicles occupied by security personnel in the community. The situation escalated quickly as the security personnel started firing gunshots, leading to a fatal outcome.
Tensions between Tontokrom residents and Asanko Gold Mines have been ongoing due to the company’s security measures on their concession. The area has seen an increase in illegal mining activities driven by high rates of unemployment among the local youth, leading to clashes with the mine’s security personnel.
The residents staged a protest on Friday, March 1, demanding the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme to address the ongoing issues. However, the confrontation the following day resulted in a violent clash between the residents and the private security personnel, leading to the loss of three lives.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken by the police and deposited at the morgue, highlighting the tragic outcome of the conflict between the community and the mining company’s security forces.
