Battle Over Mining Concession: Assemblyman Shot Dead Allegedly By Soldiers … Angry Youth Burn Asanko Mines Excavators In Retaliation

Residents of Mpatuam in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region are in mourning, following a violent confrontation between military personnel and community members that have left two people dead, including an elected assembly member, with others injured.

The deceased have been identified as Samuel Dankwa, Assembly Member for AboaboTetekaso, and Akwasi Bonsu, an indigene of the area. Two others remain on admission at a health facility, after sustaining gunshot wounds.

How It Began

The incident, according to The Chronicle’s sources, began on Sunday, September 8, 2025 when Bonsu allegedly drowned after falling into an abandoned mining pit, while fleeing from military personnel stationed at Asanko Gold’s concession.

Angered by his death, the irate youth retrieved the body and dumped it at the military base in protest.

A standoff ensued, during which soldiers reportedly opened fire on the crowd. Three people were hit, including Assembly Member, Samuel Dankwa, who died later.

Asanko Gold Reacts

Mining company Asanko Gold confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a confrontation between soldiers and residents on its concession in the Amansie South District.

The company noted that the military presence forms part of a state-sanctioned security arrangement coordinated through the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

“Tensions escalated within the community, leading to civil unrest, an attack on military camps and an invasion of mining operational areas. These events led to a fatality and significant damages to contractor equipment,” the statement said.

The company extended condolences to the bereaved families and pledged to work closely with authorities and community leaders to restore calm and maintain dialogue.

MP Condemns the Killings

The Member of Parliament for MansoNkwanta, Mr.TweneboahKoduahFokuo, expressed outrage, describing the killings as a “heinous crime” that undermines Ghana’s democracy.

“This act of violence not only robs families of their loved ones, but also strikes at the heart of our democracy, security and dignity of the communities that host the mine,” he said.

Fokuoaccused the military of brutalising residents over several months, creating fear and mistrust between the mines and its host communities.

The MP has, therefore, called for an independent inquiry into the tragic development. He appealed to the Ministry of the Interior to initiate a public inquiry into the deployment, conduct and accountability of the military officers involved, while also spelling out clear guidelines for the use of armed security in private commercial spaces.

He further urged the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces Command to take disciplinary and criminal action against the officers directly responsible for the shootings.

According to him, there must also be a thorough review of the deployment policy to prevent the military from being used as an instrument of corporate intimidation.

Touching on the role of the mining company, Mr.Fokuo called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, together with the Minerals Commission, to investigate whether Asanko Mines sanctioned or facilitated the excessive use of force.

He also demanded a review of the company’s social responsibility and community engagement practices to ensure peaceful co-existence with its host communities.

The MP did not leave out the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which he urged to independently examine the human rights violations allegedly suffered by the people of Mpatuom.

He emphasised that CHRAJ’s recommendations must include redress measures such as compensation for the families of the victims.

Finally, he asked the Parliament of Ghana’s Defence and Interior Committee to summon the Ministers of Defence, Interior and Lands and Natural Resources to account to the Ghanaian people on the matter.

Pending the outcome of these investigations, the MP insisted on the immediate suspension of all military personnel deployed at Asanko Mines.

 

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