Obuasi: Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister designate, has appealed to residents of Obuasi to remain calm as the government engages stakeholders to investigate the shooting to death of some illegal miners in the town by soldiers. He emphasized the government's commitment to finding a lasting solution to the issues that led to the violent confrontation between local miners and military officers, resulting in the death of nine people.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Amoakohene made these remarks while speaking to journalists after leading a government delegation to visit the town. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the community as investigations continue. During the visit, it was observed that bereaved families had gathered at the Obuasi Government Hospital to take custody of the bodies of their loved ones. Pathologists were brought in to perform autopsies, enabling the police to release the bodies to the families.
The tragic incident occurred when military officers providing security for the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine reportedly opened fire in self-defense. Nine miners were killed, and eight others were injured, with four victims currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The government has launched an investigation into the clash, and Dr Amoakohene has urged the public to remain calm while the probe continues. He also advised civilians to refrain from taking the law into their own hands in similar disputes.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has called for effective stakeholder consultations to resolve the recurring tensions in the mining community. Mr Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Association, stressed the need for concrete action to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents.
In response to the violence, a heavy military presence has been deployed to all entry and exit points of the Obuasi mine. Public and private schools in Obuasi remain closed as the Ghana Education Service monitors the security situation. Workers of the AngloGold Obuasi Mine have also been instructed to work from home for safety reasons. The government delegation held discussions with the management of AngloGold to assess the situation and seek collaborative solutions.
