Tensions flared in Manso Tontokrom, Amansie South District, as hundreds of youth staged a late-night protest to prevent military personnel from entering their mining site.
The protesters blocked the town’s entry road with burning tires, stopping about 50 soldiers from accessing the area. The youth insist they are engaged in community mining, not illegal activity, accusing Asanko Mines of using military force to seize their land.
Richmond Osei, leader of the group, told Adom News that the community has mined the land for decades and would not surrender it to outsiders.
“This large-scale mining company has been in Manso for years, yet we’ve seen no development. They leave our youths unemployed and our community dusty. We won’t allow them to take over,” he said.
The standoff comes a year after violent clashes in the area claimed the lives of one resident and two soldiers. This time, however, the protest remained peaceful. Demonstrators invoked local gods with schnapps, eggs, and fowls, cursing those they claimed orchestrated the attempted takeover.
The military withdrew without incident, and calm has since returned to Tontokrom. Residents are calling on government to intervene and bring finality to the long-running dispute.
Source – My News Ghana
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