Lands Minister rushes to calm Asanko Gold unrest after violent confrontation

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has moved to calm tensions surrounding the standoff between Asanko Gold Ghana Limited and residents of nearby communities, promising swift action to prevent further bloodshed and destruction.

On Tuesday, 16th September 2025, the Minister led a delegation to the mining company’s concession to assess the situation firsthand. 

His intervention follows a violent clash on September 9th, which left one community member dead and company installations worth more than US$33 million destroyed during a confrontation involving military personnel and locals.

Community leaders have accused the company of failing to meet development expectations, frustrations that they say pushed some residents to encroach on mining lands.

Speaking during engagements with the company’s management, Mr. Buah underscored the government’s determination to restore peace and rebuild trust between the parties.

“As a government, we are committed to getting to the bottom of this matter and ensuring that such a tragedy is not repeated. Dialogue and mutual understanding must prevail,” he said.

The Minister urged Asanko Gold to strengthen community relations, adhere strictly to mining regulations, and treat local development as integral to its operations.

As part of the visit, Mr. Buah also stopped at the home of the deceased Assembly Member, where he offered condolences to the grieving family and pledged a transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.

The visit was conducted alongside senior officials, including the Acting CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, Advisor to the Minister Prof. J.S.Y. Kuma, Chief Inspector of Mines Mr. Kofi Adjei, the Ministry’s Communications Director Ms. Mawusi Mawuenyefia, and Ing. Frank Asare, National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), among others.