Residents of Manso Tontokrom in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have expressed strong opposition to the planned deployment of military personnel to guard a disputed mining concession.
The community, backed by traditional leaders, has issued a stern warning against using state security to forcefully seize their source of livelihood.
The tension stems from a long-standing dispute between the community and Asanko Gold Mines over mining concessions.
Locals claim the company is operating on land they’ve mined for generations, and the deployment of military personnel would only escalate the conflict.
In a show of resistance, residents blocked the main entrance to the community with burning tires, preventing assigned military personnel from entering the mining site.
The community emphasizes its willingness to seek a peaceful end to the dispute but insists that heavy-handed tactics employed by the mining company and its security personnel must cease.
Mr Richard Osei, a leading member of NDC used the occasion to called on President John Mahama to intervene to reserve the long-standing mining dispute between them and the management of Asanko gold mines which is the source of livelihood.
