Lands Ministry Probes Tontokrom-Asanko Deadly Clash

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has initiated investigations into the deadly encounter between some residents of Manso Tontokrom and Security Personnel of Asanko Gold Mine Limited, in the Amansie South District in the Ashanti Region.

The incident on Saturday, March 2, 2024, claimed the lives of three persons including two private security guards of the mining company and a resident.

In a statement, the Ministry called for calm, indicating that ongoing investigations with the appropriate stakeholders had commenced.

“The Ministry is currently investigating the matter in collaboration with the appropriate security authorities. The public is hereby assured that the perpetrators of such act will be dealt with according to the laws of the Republic if found culpable.”

Multiple media reports indicate that the violent confrontation between the private security guards and the resident began when the former shot and killed one resident for trespass, forcing irate residents to attack and lynch to death two of the security guards in retaliation.

However, in a press statement, the company at the centre of the incident, Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd, said the attack on its personnel who were undertaking some patrol on their concession was unprovoked.

“While the officials of the licensed private security service provider were patrolling the Tontokrom Concession, they were attacked by the illegal miners who were hiding in the bushes. Upon seeing the illegal miners emerging from the bushes with various guns, clubs, machetes and other weapons, the security officers chose to retreat since they were unarmed. Unfortunately, two (2) of the private security officers were captured and lynched to death by these illegal miners.”

Contrary to reports that the third victim was shot, the company said, he was “also lynched to death by these criminals”.