Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd. has issued a statement clarifying the presence of military personnel in the Tontokrom community, following a recent press conference where community members alleged harassment and intimidation by the military.

According to Asanko Gold, the military presence is part of a state-mandated security intervention coordinated through the Ghana Chamber of Mines, designed to protect legitimate mining operations from the escalating threat of illegal mining (galamsey).

In a press statement signed by Mr Charles Amoah, the company's
EVP & Managing Director, the company explained that its mining project, located on a concession acquired from AngloGold Ashanti, has been significantly impacted by the forcible occupation of the concession by illegal miners. This encroachment, they stated, has halted project development, delayed community benefits, and caused substantial environmental damage.

"In view of these setbacks, Asanko formally presented its concerns to the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Chamber of Mines, which subsequently received a response," the statement read.

Asanko emphasised that the security intervention is not unique to their operations but is a national program aimed at protecting legitimate mining companies from illegal mining, which poses risks to human life, the environment, state revenue, and investor confidence. The deployment was specifically authorized by the Defence Ministry, with support from the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

"We emphasize that there is absolutely no intention to intimidate, harass, or interfere with the peaceful lives of community members," the company stated. The company stressed that the military deployment aims to ensure safety, legal compliance, and a conducive environment for sustainable mining operations.

Read the full statement below;

RE: CLARIFICATION OF COMMUNITY CONCERNS: MILITARY PRESENCE AT TONTOKROM:

The management of Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd. (“Asanko Gold” or the “Company”) has taken note of statements made during a recent press conference held in the Tontokrom community on Saturday, 26th July 2025, by some community members. At the press conference, allegations were made suggesting that Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd. had brought in military personnel to harass and intimidate residents.

We believe it is important to put the current situation into proper perspective.
Our mining project, situated on a concession acquired from AngloGold Ashanti, has been progressing in accordance with our development plan and in line with stakeholder expectations. We have invested about USD 16 million in exploration activities, community development programs, and initial relocation preparations.

However, just as the project was moving into its next phase of mine development, illegal miners forcibly occupied the concession. This encroachment has not only halted progress on project development and delayed community benefits but has also caused significant environmental degradation due to their activities.

In view of these setbacks, Asanko formally presented its concerns to the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Chamber of Mines, which subsequently received a response.

The resulting military presence forms part of a state-mandated security intervention, coordinated through the Ghana Chamber of Mines. It is important to emphasize that this intervention is not unique to Asanko Gold but is part of a broader national program aimed at protecting legitimate mining operations from the escalating threat of illegal mining, which poses serious risks to human life, damages the environment, undermines state revenue, and erodes investor confidence.

In all instances, these operations are conducted in partnership with the appropriate state security agencies. In our case, the deployment was specifically authorized by the Defence Ministry, with support from the Ghana Chamber of Mines. We emphasize that there is absolutely no intention to intimidate, harass, or interfere with the peaceful lives of community members.

Given the concerns raised publicly, the Company wishes to provide factual clarification and context. This is presented in the spirit of fostering ongoing collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect among all stakeholders. We trust it will contribute to a balanced and informed understanding of the situation.

Background and Context

The recent presence of military personnel in and around our concession is part of a state-mandated security initiative coordinated through the Ghana Chamber of Mines. This national programme is designed to provide lawful protection to licensed mining companies across the country from the increasing threat posed by illegal mining (galamsey) operations.

Illegal mining not only endangers lives and degrades the environment, but also significantly impacts state revenue, discourages legitimate investment, and creates unsafe conditions for both community members and Company personnel.

In response to these risks, the government through the appropriate security agencies and in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has rolled out a standardized security intervention across all major legal mining operations in the country.

In Asanko Gold’s specific case, the deployment was sanctioned by the Ghana Armed Forces with coordination and support from the Chamber of Mines. It is essential to emphasize that this intervention is not punitive in nature, nor is it intended to intimidate or harass any individuals. On the contrary, its primary goal is to ensure safety, legal compliance, and a conducive environment for sustainable mining.

Stakeholder Engagement

Prior to the deployment, comprehensive stakeholder engagement sessions chaired by the District Security Councils (DISEC) of both the Amansie West and Amansie South Districts were held. During these sessions, the initiative was framed as a collaborative effort to stabilize mining activities and encourage responsible behavior. Stakeholders, including community leaders and local authorities, were encouraged to support the process and assist in promoting peaceful self-evacuation from unauthorized mining sites.

We are pleased to report that many illegal miners have voluntarily cooperated in other areas where similar exercises have taken place, and we are hopeful that the same level of understanding and collaboration will be realized within the Tontokrom concession area.

Our Commitment to Community Partnership

Asanko Gold remains deeply committed to nurturing mutually respectful and beneficial relationships with all our host communities, including Tontokrom. As reiterated during the DISEC meetings, the Company’s development approach strongly emphasizes community involvement and shared progress. We believe that open communication and genuine partnership are key to achieving lasting development outcomes.

We therefore respectfully urge the general public and all stakeholders to disregard the inaccurate claims made during the press conference. These assertions misrepresent the reality on the ground and risk undermining the collaborative efforts and goodwill built over time between Asanko Gold and its host communities.

Asanko Gold will continue to engage proactively with traditional authorities, youth groups, civil society organizations, and local leadership to promote responsible mining and enhance community wellbeing. Our doors remain open for dialogue, and we welcome any stakeholders seeking further clarification to do so through the appropriate and established channels.




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