- Amansie West DCE urges Asanko Gold to stop using military personnel for site protection.
- His appeal follows deadly clashes in Esaase that left two people dead, including Assembly Member Sampson Dankwah.
- The DCE believes police are better suited to manage tensions than the military.
- He paid tribute to the late assembly member and pledged support for his family.
- The incident has reignited debate over military involvement in mining operations.
Following a deadly confrontation in Esaase that claimed two lives, including Assembly Member Sampson Dankwah, the District Chief Executive for Amansie West, Prince Manu Morris, is calling on Asanko Gold Mining to reconsider its use of military personnel for site protection.
The clash, which involved soldiers and local residents, has reignited concerns about the role of armed forces in civilian mining zones. The DCE believes the company should rely on police support instead, citing a decade-long peaceful coexistence between the mine and the community.
According to him, previous tensions have been effectively managed by local and regional police, without the need for military intervention. He argues that the presence of soldiers has escalated tensions rather than resolved them.
Prince Manu Morris also paid tribute to the late assembly member, describing him as a dedicated public servant who had served four terms in office. He pledged that the Assembly would support Dankwah’s children and honor his legacy.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of how mining companies engage with host communities, especially in areas where land disputes and resource control remain sensitive. The DCE’s appeal reflects a growing call for companies to prioritize community trust and civilian law enforcement over militarized security.
