VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/31/17 -- Asanko Gold Inc. ("Asanko" or the "Company") (TSX:AKG)(NYSE MKT:AKG) today reiterated prior disclosure regarding the strength of its gold mining business and pipeline of growth projects and strongly advised shareholders to disregard a short report issued today.

Asanko received a copy of the report, issued by short-seller Muddy Waters LLC. Asanko states that there is no merit to the negative assertions about Asanko in the report.

Asanko reaffirmed plans for a June 5, 2017 release of its Expansion Definitive Feasibility Study that details the Company's organic growth pipeline and confirms the strong cash generating capability of an expanded Asanko Gold Mine. The study was prepared by internationally recognized independent Qualified Persons as required under Canadian securities laws.

"The Asanko Gold Mine is a robust business and we look forward to showcasing this during our June 5th presentation," said Peter Breese, President and CEO. "The side wall issue was previously disclosed and has not materially impacted our ability to operate. We maintain our production guidance of 230,000-240,000 ounces for 2017, which we continue to expect will generate between US$64-US$77 million in cash this year assuming $1,200/oz gold. The short report has no merit and our upcoming Expansion Definitive Feasibility Study will by itself provide a complete rebuttal to Muddy Water's technical claims and will also make other information available to refute the non-technical allegations."

Importantly, Asanko notes the following:
•As previously disclosed in our Management Discussion and Analysis dated May 2, 2017, there was no impact on either production or safety resulting from a partial failure on the western wall of the Nkran pit. Asanko has put various mitigation measures in place as part of its original mine plan. These mitigation measures include a dual ramp system, a slope stability radar and an on-surface ore stockpile in excess of 1.5 million tonnes, all of which have been instrumental in maintaining production. There is no merit to claims to the contrary by the short seller.
•As previously disclosed in our Management Discussion and Analysis dated May 2, 2017, the current pit bottom contains an inventory of pre-developed ore reserves of 166,000 ounces of gold based on the new resource model by the mining consultant CSA Global. This inventory will enable Nkran to meet its production plan through to the first quarter of 2018. During this period Asanko is continuing with the mining of its scheduled pushback on the Western limb of the pit, which will facilitate continuous areas of ore supply into the future in line with Nkran's life of mine plan. Accordingly, there is no need for a $115 million pushback expense, as speculated by Muddy Waters.
•Asanko's President and CEO Peter Breese and Chairman Colin Steyn have regularly purchased Asanko shares and have not sold any Asanko shares. The 2015 transaction referred to in the Muddy Waters report was nothing more than a change of indirect to direct holdings amongst shareholders within a private company.

As previously disclosed, Asanko intends to provide a detailed presentation to analysts and investors immediately following the disclosure of the Expansion Definitive Feasibility Study. The presentation is scheduled to take place in Toronto at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017. There will also be an accompanying conference call and webcast so that all investors can attend in real time. Details below.

Toronto Presentation
Monday, June 5, 2017 at 8:00 am EDT
Belgravia Room, Omni King Edward Hotel
To attend, please arrive by 7.45am and RSVP to alex.buck@asanko.com