Traditional leaders and residents of Manso Tontokrom have issued a strong denial of media reports claiming a fatal mining pit collapse occurred in their community, demanding a retraction and apology from Multimedia Group’s JoyNews within three days or face legal action.
The dispute stems from a broadcast on Monday, March 2, 2026, in which JoyNews reportedly stated that approximately ten illegal miners had died in a pit collapse at Manso Tontokrom in the Amansie South District.
However, community leaders have vehemently rejected the account, insisting that no such disaster occurred within their jurisdiction. During a press briefing on Tuesday, they clarified that the tragic incident in question took place at Atta Ne Atta, a community located in the Asutifi South District, which is outside the Amansie South District altogether.
“Our Reputation Has Been Damaged”
Addressing journalists, the Mmamahene of Tontokrom, Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin, described the report as inaccurate and damaging to the community’s image.
“We cannot sit unconcerned while our community’s name is dragged into an incident that did not occur here,” Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin stated. “The media must act responsibly and ensure that facts are thoroughly verified before publication. Failure to do so will compel the traditional council to seek redress through legal means.”
Residents echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over what they described as reckless journalism. They stated that the false report caused unnecessary panic and confusion, disrupting the calm that prevails in the area.
Authorities Call for Verification
The District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for Amansie South, Mr. Iddrisu Ishaq, urged media houses to exercise due diligence in their reporting. He noted that inaccurate reporting can create avoidable tension and place undue pressure on local authorities who are forced to respond to incidents outside their mandate.
Revised Death Toll in Actual Incident
As the dispute unfolds in Amansie South, authorities have updated the casualty figures for the actual incident at Atta Ne Atta. Officials have revised the death toll from the illegal mining pit collapse there to nine. Rescue operations and investigations into that incident remain ongoing.
As of Tuesday afternoon, JoyNews had not issued a formal response to the ultimatum from the Tontokrom Traditional Council.
