|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Basit Suleman
Assembly members in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region have petitioned the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Prince Manu Morris, over what they describe as persistent harassment and violent attacks allegedly linked to the operations of Asanko Mining Company.
The petition, submitted on Tuesday, requests that the DCE forward their grievances to the Ashanti Regional Minister, President John Dramani Mahama, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for immediate intervention.
The latest flashpoint was the recent shooting of Hon. Patrick Danquah, an assembly member, reportedly by military personnel assigned to the mining company. The incident has heightened fears among local representatives and deepened tensions between the company and surrounding communities.
Presiding Member of the Assembly, Hon. Antwi Amponsah, speaking to the media, stressed the urgency of addressing the matter before it escalates further.
“We cannot continue to live under constant threats. The relationship between the company and the communities must be resolved in a peaceful and just manner,” he said.
The assembly members also cited other incidents of alleged intimidation, including the arrest and detention of Hon. Patrick Boamah without charges. They insisted that such actions undermine their work as elected representatives and pose risks to their lives.
“We are being harassed for standing up for our people. We call on the government and traditional leadership to protect us and ensure justice is served,” the group stated.
Responding to the petition, DCE Hon. Prince Manu Morris assured the aggrieved members that he would escalate their concerns to the relevant authorities.
“I will forward this petition to the Ashanti Regional Minister, His Excellency the President, and His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. It is important that your grievances are heard and properly addressed,” he said.
The situation adds to growing concerns over clashes between mining companies and host communities in the Ashanti Region, raising questions about the role of security forces in corporate-community conflicts.
