The Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo, has called for immediate justice and accountability after a violent incident at Asanko Mines left an elected Assemblyman and another resident dead.
Tensions in Mpatuam in the Amansie West District escalated on Tuesday after a confrontation between residents and Asanko Mine security forces resulted in the death of Assembly Member Samuel Danquah and injuries to two others.
The clashes followed earlier allegations that mine security had killed a miner on Monday, September 8, and prompted residents to block major roads in protest.
According to the MP, military officers allegedly deployed to the mining site used excessive force against community members, leading to the fatalities.
He described the incident as “heinous” and a violation of the rights and dignity of the people of Manso Nkwanta, urging the State and mining companies to reassess the deployment of armed personnel in private operations.
READ: A/R: Assembly member killed in clash between Asanko Mine and Mpatuam residents, two injured
Mr. Fokuo highlighted months of alleged intimidation, harassment, and fear within the community, stressing that such escalations “cannot be tolerated under any circumstance” and underscoring the need for transparent investigations.
In his statement, the MP outlined several demands, including an independent public inquiry by the Ministry of the Interior into the conduct and deployment of military officers, disciplinary action from the Ministry of Defence, and a review of Asanko Mines’ community engagement and social responsibility practices.
He also called on CHRAJ to investigate potential human rights violations and provide recommendations for redress, including compensation for the victims’ families.
Mr. Fokuo further urged Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee to summon relevant ministers to ensure transparency and accountability in handling the incident.
“I hereby demand the following on behalf of the people of Manso Nkwanta: Immediate suspension of all military personnel operating at Asanko Mines pending the outcome of investigations. Full compensation and state recognition for the bereaved families, given the profound loss of an Assemblyman who served his people with dedication. Psychosocial support for the families and community members traumatized by the incident.”
He continued, “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. The blood of our brothers, including the late Assemblyman, must not go in vain. 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.”
Describing the tragedy as a wake-up call, the MP emphasized the need to redefine the relationship between mining companies, security forces, and host communities, stressing that the lives lost must not be in vain.
He appealed to civil society, the media, faith-based organizations, and the international community to support the people of Manso Nkwanta in seeking justice.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
