The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, George Mireku Duker, has re-echoed government’s commitment to resolving the dispute between the chiefs and people of Tontokrom in the Amansie South District and Asanko Gold Ghana.
He stated that it will be one of the legacies of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government in the mining sector.
The stand-off between the community and the company over the exploitation of gold resources in the area is well documented, with one person losing his life this year following clashes between irate youth of the community and security personnel on duty at the company.
Following a series of meetings held at the Ministry, Mr. Mireku Duker, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, embarked on a working visit to the area to have face-to-face interactions with the company and community leaders as part of efforts to bring finality to the protracted matter impeding the success of the company and development in the township.
Mr. Duker first made a stop over at the office of Asanko Gold Ghana Company, where he acquainted himself with the issues from the company’s perspective and proposed some steps the company must take to improve their relationship with the community.
The Deputy Minister re-emphasized the need for a harmonious relationship between the company and the community, stating that unity is the principal ingredient for mutual success for both the company and the community.
Responding to a request by the company for an immediate resolution of the deadlock, He stated that the government, through the Ministry, has been engaging the community to allow the company to operate without conflict and will continue to activate the necessary dialogue and security measures to bring finality to the matter.
