Tontokrom Opinion Leaders, Youth Vow to Resist Asanko Gold: “No One Can Chase Us from Our Lands”
A fierce standoff is brewing in the mining community of Tontokrom in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, as residents, led by traditional authorities and youth leaders, have vowed to resist any attempt by Asanko Gold Mining Company to evict them from their ancestral lands.
The renewed tension follows a controversial meeting at the District Assembly, where, according to community leaders, a proposal was allegedly discussed to relocate the entire town to allow for expanded mining operations by the company. The suggestion has sparked outrage, with community members accusing Asanko Gold of using force and military intimidation over the years to suppress their rights and seize lands without consent.
Speaking at a well-attended press conference over the weekend, the Mmamahene of Tontokrom, Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanini, minced no words in stating the community’s position.
“The lands belong to us. Asanko has no legitimate documents to prove ownership. We will not move today or tomorrow,” he declared. “We have never signed any agreement with Asanko Mining Company, and we will never allow military intimidation on our own soil.”
The traditional leader, supported by elders and youth leaders, detailed the trauma and injustices the community has endured, including violent confrontations with armed soldiers allegedly deployed by the company. According to the Mmamahene, several residents have been injured or killed in past incidents meant to forcibly drive them off their land.
Kwadwo Addo, a vocal youth leader, also spoke at the event, warning that the patience of the youth is wearing thin.
“We don’t need military presence in our town. Anytime they come, they brutalize and kill our people. We are pleading with the government to step in, or else we will face them squarely,” he cautioned. “We are not afraid to defend our land.”
Another resident, Sofo Maame, emotionally recounted a harrowing incident from the previous year.
“Last year, the military came and shot at people in the community. Some even died. They want to scare us away from our own land. But this time, we won’t sit back. If they try again, we will retaliate,” she warned.
The community is appealing to key national figures and institutions to intervene before the conflict escalates. They have called on former President John Dramani Mahama, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the Ministers for Defense and Interior to take urgent action to protect the lives and rights of Tontokrom residents.
The chiefs and opinion leaders are also invoking the authority of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, urging him to uphold the sacred duty of the Golden Stool in safeguarding traditional lands from unlawful exploitation.
“We are not against development,” said Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanini. “But it must be fair, transparent, and rooted in respect for our ancestral heritage and human dignity. Tontokrom is not for sale.”
As tensions mount, residents insist they are ready to defend their homes and livelihoods at all costs, promising peaceful resistance but preparing for the worst if forced to act in self-defense.
Contact Information:
- Nana Addo – 0247733818
- Emmanuel Appiah – 0537784816
- Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanini – 0505208869
