Tontokrom on the Brink of War: Leaders Dare Asanko Gold Mines

Tension is mounting in Tontokrom in the Amansie South District as residents and community leaders call for the urgent intervention of President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to resolve a bitter dispute with Asanko Gold Mines.

The situation, which has been brewing for months, threatens to escalate into violence if the grievances of the people are not addressed. At a press conference on Saturday, July 26, Nana Adu Gyamfi, a leading community voice, warned that the anger of the youth is reaching dangerous levels.

“Enough of the Brutalities”

According to Nana Adu Gyamfi, the community has been subjected to intimidation and violence allegedly orchestrated by security personnel protecting Asanko Gold Mines. He claimed that residents have been beaten, hospitalised, and in some cases, killed.

“Our people are living in constant fear. We cannot continue to watch our own people suffer atthe hands of those who claim to operate legally on our land,” he said.

Nana Adu Gyamfi revealed that when he questioned the company about its legal documents covering the concession, officials could not provide clear answers.

“We are not ready for any cock and bull stories from Asanko Gold Mines. Look at us—clad in red because we are angry. If they think we are weak, we will show them that we will not tolerate their excesses any longer. They will have to kill us all if that’s their plan,” he declared.

Appeal to National and Traditional Leaders

The community leader made a passionate appeal to President Mahama and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to step in to prevent another tragedy similar to what happened in Obuasi, where clashes between locals and security forces reportedly claimed lives.

“Our forefathers gave us this land, and we cannot be driven away like strangers. If they want to eradicate us from our land, we are ready to resist,” Nana Adu Gyamfi added.

He further vowed that the community would no longer tolerate the presence of Asanko Gold Mines.

“From today, we don’t want to see their drones, vehicles, or any operations on our land. We don’t need them here,” he warned.

Youth Demand President’s Attention

Kwadwo Addo, a youth leader and a member of the Concerned Youth of the NDC in Tontokrom, also criticized the company for its lack of engagement with the community.

“No one from Asanko has ever spoken to us. They say they want to relocate us to the forest. But how can you force a landlord out of his own property when he is not willing to move?” he questioned.

A History of Unresolved Clashes

The standoff between Tontokrom residents and Asanko Gold Mines has deep roots. For years, small-scale miners have accused the company of denying them access to lands they have worked on for generations. Previous attempts at mediation have failed, with both sides standing their ground.

Community leaders are now calling for a roundtable discussion involving all stakeholders, including the Minerals Commission, government representatives, traditional authorities, and the mining firm. They believe a community mining scheme could help create sustainable jobs for the youth and prevent further unrest.

“We don’t want violence,” said one youth leader, “but we won’t allow ourselves to be treated like squatters on our own land.”

With tensions on the rise, residents are urging both President Mahama and Otumfuo to act swiftly to avert what could become a dangerous and bloody confrontation.