There is growing tension in the mining community of Tontokrom in the Amansie South District following attempts by a section of the youth to forcibly take over portions of mining concessions legally operated by Asanko Gold Mines.

The youth, in defiance of repeated warnings from local authorities, have been encroaching on the company’s active mining sites, claiming access to the land for small-scale mining activities. The development has raised security concerns, with community elders describing the move as unlawful and a recipe for chaos.

Asanko Gold Mines, which operates a multi-deposit complex in the area, has mining rights duly sanctioned by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The company’s concessions include the Abore, Miradani North, Nkran, and Esaase mining pits, all of which fall within its approved operational zone.

An investigation by purefmonlinegh.com has established that Asanko Gold Mines possesses all relevant permits and has been conducting its mining activities in accordance with Ghana’s mining regulations. Regulatory inspections conducted in recent months confirmed the company’s adherence to environmental and operational standards required by law.

Despite this, some of the local youth have been mobilising in a coordinated effort to seize control of parts of the concession. Their aim, according to community sources, is to engage in unauthorized small-scale mining (galamsey) activities, a practice that has been a persistent challenge to Ghana’s regulated mining sector.

Speaking to purefmonlinegh.com, Amoani Essah, a senior resident of Tontokrom, condemned the actions of the youth, calling it an attack on the very community that benefits from the company’s operations.

“Asanko Mines has been operating here legally for years. Many of our youth work there, and the company has also supported the community in various ways. What these boys are doing is not right. It’s criminal and should be stopped before it gets out of hand,” Essah remarked.

While tensions simmer, Asanko Gold Mines has maintained that it is open to dialogue with the youth and community leaders to address any grievances. The company has, however, insisted that due process must be followed and that its legally acquired concessions must be respected.

“Our focus remains on responsible mining and fostering a positive relationship with our host communities. We are always ready to engage in discussions to address concerns, but unlawful invasions cannot be the path to resolving issues,” a company source told purefmonlinegh.com.

The illegal invasion attempts have prompted calls for immediate intervention by law enforcement agencies to prevent a possible escalation. Industry stakeholders have also expressed concern about the increasing trend of unlawful encroachments on licensed mining concessions, warning that such activities undermine investor confidence and pose significant environmental risks.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, together with the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has in recent months intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the country. However, incidents like the Tontokrom standoff highlight the lingering challenges in enforcing mining regulations, particularly in areas where tensions between large-scale mining firms and artisanal miners persist.

For now, the situation in Tontokrom remains tense, as all eyes turn to local authorities and security agencies to ensure that law and order is maintained while legitimate operators are protected to continue their contributions to the local and national economy.