A/R: Tontokrom residents demand prosecution of killers of Rahman Mohammed

Irate residents of Manso-Tontokrom in the Amansie South district of the Ashanti Region are demanding peace following a fatal clash between the community and a mining firm.

The condition they have set for restoring peace is the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme, which they believe is crucial for addressing the tensions in their mining community.

During the burial of Rahman Mohammed, a youth who was fatally shot during the clash, the residents, clad in red and black attire, expressed sorrow, grief, and anger.

They called on the government to investigate and prosecute those responsible for Rahman's death to ensure peace in the area.

Opanin Kofi Manu, the Abusuapanin of Manso Tontonkrom, emphasised the importance of setting up a Community Mining Scheme to mitigate tensions.

He accused the Asanko Gold Mines of being a bad neighbour and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the clash.

The traditional leader asserted that the disputed land did not belong to Asanko Gold Mines and criticised the company for causing trouble in the area.

He cited President Akufo-Addo's directive for organisations to engage with communities before operating and accused Asanko Gold of disregarding this principle.

Opanin Kofi, however, urged the youth to exercise patience and discipline, emphasising the need for peaceful resolution of issues.

Hassan Adams, the father of the deceased Rahman Mohammed, demanded justice and called for a thorough investigation into his son's death.

The residents appealed to the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, to grant them a concession for peaceful mining activities to support their livelihoods. Their plea underscores the pressing need for sustainable solutions to address the challenges faced by mining communities like Manso-Tontokrom.

—Classfmonline