Suspend soldiers, compensate families – Manso Nkwanta MP

The Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo, is demanding immediate action following violent clashes between residents of Mpatuam and military personnel attached to Asanko Gold Mines in the Amansie West District.

The MP’s demands come in the wake of growing public outrage over the incident, which unfolded over two days—Monday and Tuesday—leaving the community in mourning and raising serious questions about the relationship between mining companies, security forces, and local communities. The clashes resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a sitting Assembly Member.

In a statement released on Tuesday, September 9, Fokuo called for the immediate suspension of all military personnel operating at Asanko Mines pending a thorough and transparent investigation into the deadly incident.

“This incident must not be treated as an isolated case, but as a wake-up call for Ghana to rethink the relationship between mining companies, security institutions, and host communities,” he stated. “The blood of our brothers, including the late Assemblyman, must not go in vain.”

He further demanded full compensation and state recognition for the bereaved families, describing the loss of the Assemblyman as a profound blow to local governance and community leadership.

He also called for psychosocial support for the affected families and residents traumatised by the events.

According to reports, the clash began when military personnel reportedly confronted residents who were allegedly attempting to access a mining concession operated by Asanko Gold. Eyewitness accounts suggest that tensions escalated rapidly, leading to a confrontation that claimed the life of one person on Monday. A second clash on Tuesday reportedly resulted in the death of another resident—confirmed to be a serving Assembly Member.

So far, the military and government authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the cause of the confrontation or the actions of the officers involved.

Fokuo urged the media, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, and the international community to join the call for justice.

“We owe it to their memory, and to the dignity of the Ghanaian people, to ensure that justice is done swiftly, transparently, and without fear or favour,” the MP asserted.

Source: citinewsroom