Lands Minister Vows Swift Action to Resolve Asanko Gold Dispute
…Commiserates With Family of Deceased Assembly Member
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has assured all stakeholders of government’s firm commitment to swiftly and peacefully resolving the ongoing conflict between Asanko Gold Ghana Limited and surrounding local communities.
The Minister gave this assurance during a working visit to the mining company’s site on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, following recent violent clashes that resulted in the destruction of company property and the death of a local resident on September 9.
The tragic incident occurred after tensions flared between community members and military personnel deployed to protect the company’s concession.
Property and equipment worth over US$33 million were reportedly destroyed, and a local assembly member lost his life during the confrontation.
Community members have accused the company of failing to deliver on promised development initiatives, leading to growing frustrations and eventual encroachment on the mining concession.
Speaking during the site visit, Minister Buah emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between mining companies and their host communities.
“As a government, we are committed to getting to the bottom of this matter and ensuring such a tragedy is not repeated,” he stated. “Dialogue and mutual understanding must prevail.”
The Minister urged Asanko Gold to strictly adhere to Ghana’s mining regulations and place community development and engagement at the center of their operations.
Visit to Bereaved Family
As part of efforts to de-escalate tensions, Mr Buah also visited the family of the deceased Assembly Member, who was killed during the September 9 clashes in the Amansie South District.
Addressing the grieving family and sympathizers in the local Akan language, the Minister expressed profound sorrow and assured them of a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“I am deeply sorry for your loss and I share in your pain,” he said. “Government will ensure a proper and thorough investigation, and the perpetrators will be brought to book.”
He further conveyed condolences on behalf of the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
The unrest reportedly stemmed from growing discontent among local youth who claim Asanko Gold has not fulfilled its social responsibilities to the community.
In response to the escalating situation, the company called in military personnel to restore order — a decision that ultimately led to the fatal confrontation.
Path Toward Resolution
Following his visit to the bereaved family, the Minister again met with the leadership of Asanko Gold, reiterating the government’s position that mining operations must remain within the boundaries of legal and ethical standards.
He also stressed the importance of prioritizing corporate social responsibility and actively engaging with local communities.
He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and the Community Mining Programme (rCOMSDEP) Secretariat.
The Minister concluded his visit by reaffirming government’s commitment to mediating the conflict, addressing root causes of community grievances, and restoring peace to the area.
