Traditional leaders and residents of Npatuom and surrounding communities in the Amansie West District have petitioned the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to withdraw military personnel assigned to Asanko Gold mining company from their community and replace them with police officers.
The plea follows a recent clash between residents and military personnel that resulted in two deaths.
During a meeting with the Regional Minister and Regional Security Council, the traditional leaders expressed their concerns and urged the Minister to intervene.
Some Assembly Members also requested the Minister’s assistance in securing the release of their colleague assembly member for Bonteso electoral area, Patrick Asare, who was remanded in police custody by the Bekwei Circuit Court in related to similar police clash with the residents.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene assured the community that their grievances would be forwarded to the President to help establish a responsible mining scheme in the community.
He urged the residents to remain calm, promising that the government would put measures in place to address the long-standing mining disputes in the area.
