“We’ll Defend Our Land with Our Lives” – Tontokrom Chiefs and Youth Stand Up to Asanko Mining Operations
A storm of resistance is building in Tontokrom, a mining town in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, as chiefs, youth leaders, and residents have vowed to defend their ancestral land — even if it means laying down their lives — amid renewed attempts by Asanko Gold Mining Company to relocate the entire community for its mining operations.
At the heart of the growing tension is a recent meeting convened at the District Assembly, where residents claim the company proposed a full-scale relocation of the town to facilitate its mining expansion. The proposal, which the residents describe as “an insult to their heritage,” has sparked outrage and triggered a united front from both traditional and youth leadership.
During a press conference held in the community over the weekend, Tontokrom’s Mmamahene, Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanini, passionately declared the people’s unwavering commitment to protecting their land from corporate exploitation.
“We’ll defend our land with our lives. This land was handed down to us by our ancestors. We were born here, and we will die here,” he stated. “Asanko has no legal ownership of this land. We have never entered into any agreement with them. They cannot use military force to scare us into leaving our home.”
Nana Kumanini accused Asanko Gold of using military personnel to harass and intimidate the people of Tontokrom, a tactic he claims has led to the death and injury of innocent residents in past years. He called on the government to end what he described as “a calculated attack on the dignity and rights of indigenous people.”
Kwadwo Addo, a respected youth leader, echoed the sentiment of the traditional authorities, warning that the people of Tontokrom are ready to rise in defense of their land if provoked further.
“We don’t fear the military anymore. Anytime they enter our town, they come to beat us, shoot at us, and kill our people. If the government will not protect us, we will protect ourselves,” he said. “We are not against development, but it must be fair and respectful. This land is not up for sale.”
A visibly emotional Sofo Maame, a long-time resident, shared her painful memories of a military raid that claimed lives in the town.
“Last year, they came and started shooting at us. We were unarmed. Some of our sons died. They think we’ll run away in fear, but they don’t know Tontokrom. This time, we will stand and fight back,” she declared.
The community is now appealing to high-level stakeholders to intervene before the situation spirals out of control. They have called on President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the Ministers for Defense and Interior to urgently step in and address the escalating tensions.
Additionally, the people of Tontokrom are appealing to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to intervene and protect the land rights of the town as a loyal Ashanti community under the Golden Stool.
In a unified message, the community made it clear: no amount of pressure, intimidation, or compensation will move them from their ancestral land.
As the dust continues to rise over the rich gold beneath Tontokrom’s soil, the message from its people remains resolute — they would rather die on their land than live as strangers elsewhere.
Contact Information:
- Nana Addo – 0247733818
- Emmanuel Appiah – 0537784816
- Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanini – 0505208869
