Princess Avenyoh
Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd. has denied claims that it deployed soldiers to harass residents of Tontokrom in the Ashanti Region.
The company clarified that the military presence was part of a state-sanctioned operation against illegal mining not intimidation.
Asanko said the deployment was authorised by the Ghana Armed Forces, with support from the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Ministry of Defence.
It explained that illegal miners had occupied its concession, halting work and causing environmental destruction.
Despite $16 million investment in development and relocation plans.
The company stressed that the military action is part of a national programme to secure legal mining concessions from illegal miners.
Asanko assured that prior stakeholder meetings were held with local leaders, urging peaceful withdrawal from unauthorised mining sites before security forces intervened.
The company urged the public to ignore false claims and pledged its commitment to responsible mining and community development.