Accra: The National Coalition in Mining (NCOM) has condemned the recent killing of citizens by state security operatives at the Newmont (NGGL) Ahafo South Gold Mine in Ntotroso and the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) mine in Obuasi.
According to Ghana News Agency, NCOM stated that soldiers guarding AGA's concession in Obuasi on January 8 shot and killed nine suspected small-scale miners who allegedly breached portions of AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi concession. The incident also left about 14 others with varying degrees of injury, who are currently receiving treatment.
Furthermore, a week prior, three young men were killed at the NGGL Ahafo concession, allegedly for trespassing and stealing. The statement mentioned that the claims of both the Police and Military that the killings took place during a confrontation had been challenged by survivors.
The statement highlighted that these incidents, which have been widely condemned, are part of an increasing trend where state security operatives are involved in violence against citizens in mining communities on behalf of private mining companies. It noted that from Ntotroso, Ketu South, Talensi, Ada Songor through to Obuasi, there are accounts of state security being used to brutalize communities in favor of corporate interests, leading to deaths and injuries.
Following a sustained campaign by NCOM, the Coalition believes that the state must do more to protect its citizens, especially those residing in marginalized mining communities. NCOM urged the Ministries of Defence and Interior to oversee the immediate withdrawal of the military and police from all mining sites in the country, arguing that their presence has caused more harm than good, resulting in killings and community unrest.
The Coalition also called for the Ministries of Defence and Interior to make a full public disclosure of the terms on which security services have been deployed around the mines and the rules of engagement under which they operate and use their arms. It emphasized that the government of Ghana must respect its commitments to international human rights protocols by ensuring community protection from harm, including from state security agencies.
The statement concluded by asserting that NCOM believes every Ghanaian deserves to live in a safe and secure environment while going about their duties.
