The Paramount Chief of Manso Nkwanta, Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah II, has appealed to residents of the Manso area to resort to dialogue rather than violence in addressing their concerns with Asanko Gold Ghana.
His appeal follows a recent violent clash between the youth of Mpatuam and soldiers guarding the mine, which resulted in the death of a local assembly member and extensive damage to properties belonging to the mine’s subcontractors.
Speaking at the commissioning of a newly constructed multipurpose community centre at Manso Nkran, the Chief condemned the recurring hostilities and urged residents to prioritize peace and cooperation to foster development.
“I didn’t like what happened at Tontokrom and Mpatuam. If there is any misunderstanding, bring forth your concerns. Don’t resort to protests. Because of this, Manso is gaining a negative reputation. The works here a few. I will beseech the traditional leaders to speak with the youth that if they have any worries they should come to us,”
He continued that: “If we rather have patience and voice our concerns it would yield positive outcomes. We should meet and have dialogues that fighting each other”.
The Manso traditional area has in recent years witnessed the youth revolting against gold mining company, Asanko Gold Ghana, over possession of portions of the mine’s concessions. They claimed the mine’s existence in the area has not yielded the needed developmental benefits and job opportunities.
He urged the residents to cease the attacks and resort to dialogue with the traditional council to settle the tensions. The newly-commissioned multipurpose community centre, worth over 2.3 million cedis, is a modern, fully furnished facility constructed to serve as a central hub for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, community gatherings, training and development programmes. The facility, fully funded by Asanko Gold Ghana, through its Social Responsibility Foundation (SRF) Development Fund is part of the mine’s broader multi-sectoral corporate social responsibility agenda.
Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah II pushed for more critical investments for communal development that would promote peace and stability in the area.
“When there is a company in your area, it is your responsibility to protect the interests of the business. Whatever you do as a company, you should always think about the community and how to improve the livelihoods,” he noted.
Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Asanko Gold Ghana, Dr. Charles Amoah, highlighted plans to ensure peaceful coexistence between the mine and community folks. “We are not running the operation in a vacuum. There will always be a misunderstanding. But our operation is to use a dialogue to resolve any misunderstanding. We will endeavour to carry the community along to let them appreciate what we stand for, and what they also stand so that together we will deliver alongside our vision,” he noted. Dr. Amoah reaffirmed Asanko’s long term commitment to responsible mining, transparency, and mutual decision-making.
He emphasized that the company would continue to implement impactful initiatives, including scholarship schemes, women’s empowerment programmes, and agricultural support projects to enhance livelihoods in host communities.
“Despite challenges in the mining sector, Asanko remains committed to creating lasting value for our shareholders and host communities, recognizing them as true partners in progress,” he assured. Amansie South District Chief Executive, Benjamin Marfo, lauded Asanko Gold for its leadership in corporate social responsibility and described the new centre as a symbol of collaboration, resilience, and renewed hope for the district.
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