Amansie west: The chiefs and residents of Mpatuam and neighboring communities in the Amansie West District have urged the Ashanti Regional Security Council to withdraw military personnel stationed at the Asanko Gold Mines in their area, advocating for their replacement with police officers.

According to Ghana News Agency, the call for military withdrawal was made during a meeting with Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and other members of the Regional Security Council. Traditional leaders from various communities shared accounts of harassment and intimidation faced by their residents at the hands of military personnel. These tensions have recently escalated into clashes, resulting in the deaths of two civilians.

The community representatives also highlighted the arrest of several assembly members, noting that Mr. Patrick Asare, the assembly member for the Bonteso electoral area, is currently in police custody following a ruling by the Bekwai circuit court. They appealed for the Regional Minister’s intervention to secure Mr. Asare’s release.

In response, Dr. Frank Amoakohene assured community members that their concerns would be communicated to the President to facilitate the establishment of a responsible mining scheme in the area. He encouraged residents to remain calm and assured them that the government would implement measures to resolve the ongoing mining disputes.