A tumultuous crowd of enthusiastic and irate youth of Manso Tontokrom welcomed the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, to the community with a resounding message of “No Community Scheme, No Vote.”
The Deputy Minister visited the community on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, as part of measures by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to address the longstanding impasse between the community and Asanko Gold Ltd. However, his visit took a dramatic turn as the placard-wielding youth chanted “No Community Mining, No Vote” to press home their demand for a Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in their area.
The youth, in their agitation, stated that the only condition under which they will allow Asanko Gold to undertake mining activities in their area and also vote for the governing New Patriotic Party in the 2024 elections is if a CMS concession is established in their area before the December 7 polls.
Addressing the chiefs, elders, and youth of the community at a durbar, Hon. Mireku Duker took notice of their concerns and expressed that a meeting will be convened as soon as possible to ensure that the demand of the community is fulfilled.
He stated that the Ministry and Minerals Commission will engage the management of Asanko Gold to cede part of their concession for the CMS, which is a sustainable mining scheme validated by the World Bank.
The Deputy Minister, however, urged that while the stakeholders work on granting the request of the community, the chiefs and elders must also call the youth to order and ensure that peace prevails in the area.
He condemned the clashes that resulted in the death of one person and urged the community members to commit to dialogue as the most effective means of resolving the situation.
He stated that the Akufo-Addo government has demonstrated commitment to the small-scale mining sector and that a future NPP government spearheaded by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will continue to enhance the industry to ensure that Ghanaian giants are raised in the sector.
On his part, the Member of Parliament for Amansie South Constituency noted that the arrival of a Community Mining Scheme will significantly reduce the unemployment rate among the youth population in the area.
He advised the youth to trust the government to address their concerns and refrain from acts of violence.
The chief of the area appealed to the government to grant the wishes of his people urgently and stated that the youth in the area would be highly appreciative of the government should that happen.
AM/EK
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