Assembly Members Seek Justice for Slain Colleague Amid Mining Disputes
Aggrieved assembly members in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region have petitioned the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Prince Manu Morris, to escalate their grievances to the Ashanti Regional Minister, President John Dramani Mahama, and His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The petition follows a series of violent incidents allegedly linked to Asanko Mining Company, which the assembly members say have created fear and insecurity among local leaders and residents.
According to the assembly members, the most disturbing case was the recent killing of Hon. Patrick Danquah, an elected assembly member, who was allegedly shot dead by military personnel assigned to the company. The incident, they said, has deepened tensions between the mining company and the affected communities.
Addressing the press on behalf of his colleagues, the Presiding Member of the Amansie West District Assembly, Hon. Antwi Amponsah, lamented the growing hostility and harassment faced by local leaders. He noted that beyond the fatal shooting, another assembly member, Hon. Patrick Boamah, was arrested and detained without charges by security personnel allegedly linked to the mining company.
“These incidents clearly show that our lives are under constant threat. We can no longer carry out our duties as community representatives without fear of intimidation and attacks. We are calling on government and traditional authorities to intervene before matters escalate further,” Hon. Amponsah stressed.
The assembly members are therefore demanding urgent protection, justice for their fallen colleague, and a permanent resolution to what they described as “rising hostilities” between the mining firm and local communities.
In response, the DCE, Hon. Prince Manu Morris, assured the aggrieved members that their petition would be forwarded to the Ashanti Regional Minister, President Mahama, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. He expressed confidence that the appropriate authorities would take swift action to address their concerns.
“The security and wellbeing of assembly members and the people of Amansie West are my priority. I will ensure this matter reaches the highest level of authority so that justice is served and lasting peace is restored,” Hon. Morris stated.
The situation in Amansie West continues to draw national attention as calls grow for a review of the role of mining companies and their assigned security personnel in local communities.
