3 persons have been confirmed dead after the youth of Tontokrom in Ghana’s Ashanti region, have clashed with security personnel guarding a mining concession.

The situation has created uneasy  calm in the area. The confrontation arose when a resident was allegedly shot by private security operatives.

In retaliation, the enraged youth lynched two of the alleged attackers. This latest incident is rooted in longstanding tensions between Tontokrom residents and Asanko Gold Mines regarding security measures.

Local youth, facing unemployment, engage in illegal mining encroaching on Asanko’s lands, leading to allegations of excessive force by security.

A recent protest demanded a Community Mining Scheme, but the clash escalated on March 2, prompting a scheduled meeting between the District Security Council, community leaders, and Asanko Gold for resolution.