Acting Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has justified the government’s swift decision to order a probe into the violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi.
According to him, the government cannot simply accept statements from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and AngloGold regarding the incident.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Abura Asebu Kwamankese MP stated that the probe is necessary to gain a clear perspective on the incident and ensure peace and order.
“The government has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the people, and that is why an immediate probe has been ordered.
“We must unravel the underlying cause. We must ascertain whether the group were illegal miners and if they indeed attacked the soldiers. Whether someone fired a shot, leading to the soldiers’ retaliation, or if there was an alternative approach that could have prevented the deaths,” he stated.
Eight people lost their lives on Saturday night after a group of illegal miners reportedly breached the security fence of one of AngloGold Obuasi Mine’s concessions. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
He stated that they had no reason to carry weapons, adding that they could not, in any way, match the military in an exchange of gunfire.
Baba disclosed that the group, numbering about 300, surrendered to the soldiers’ orders and knelt down with their hands on their heads.
Unfortunately, indiscriminate shots were fired at them after one of the soldiers received a phone call, causing them to run for their lives.
In light of this revelation, Mr. Ofosu has emphasized the need for a thorough probe, stressing that killing is not the appropriate punishment for illegal mining.
“If unlawful acts have been committed, we will ensure that the law takes its course, and justice will prevail,” he reiterated.
