By Felix Coffie
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah who also doubles as Member of Parliament for Ellembele, has assured stakeholders of government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict between Asanko Gold Ghana Limited and local communities in the Amansie South District.
The assurance follows a violent confrontation on September 9, which left one person dead and company property worth over US$33 million destroyed. The incident reportedly stemmed from community anger over unmet development expectations, leading to encroachment on the company’s concession and a clash with military personnel.
During a working visit to the mining site on Tuesday, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah stressed the need for peace and dialogue.
“As a government, we are committed to getting to the bottom of this matter and ensuring that such a tragedy is not repeated. Dialogue and mutual understanding must prevail,” he said.The Minister urged Asanko Gold’s management to strictly follow Ghana’s mining regulations and place community engagement and development at the heart of their operations. He also inspected the company’s mining facilities as part of the visit.
In a gesture of solidarity, Hon. Buah visited the family of the deceased the Assembly Member for the area to commiserate with them and assure the community of a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident.
The Minister was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including:
• Mr. Isaac Tandoh – Acting CEO, Minerals Commission
• Prof. J.S.Y. Kuma – Advisor to the Minister
• Mr. Kofi Adjei – Chief Inspector of Mines
• Ms. Mawusi Mawuenyefia – Director of Communications, Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources
• Ing. Frank Asare – National Coordinator, rCOMSDEP
• Other ministry officials
Government has promised a speedy resolution to restore peace between Asanko Gold and the surrounding communities, while working to address long-standing grievances fueling the impasse.
