The Member of Parliament for Obuasi West, Kwaku Kwarteng, has called for immediate and thorough investigations into a violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel in Obuasi, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals.
The incident occurred late on Saturday, January 18, 2025, around 11:00 PM, when a group of about 60 illegal miners breached the security fence and attempted to enter the Deep Decline area of the mine.
According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces’ Department of Public Relations, the miners, armed with locally made rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, gas cylinders, and other tools, opened fire on the soldiers when confronted.
In response to the tragic incident, Kwaku Kwarteng expressed concern over the loss of life and emphasized the need for accountability.
He stated, “I have contacted both the Divisional Police Command and the Municipal Police Command, and they have assured me that investigations into the deaths and injuries are underway.”
He added, “I am confident that the Military Command is also reviewing the circumstances leading up to the event and the actions that took place at the scene.”
Kwarteng stressed the importance of presenting the findings to President John Dramani Mahama for full transparency and accountability. “I expect that the security agencies will present their findings to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
He also urged the government to expedite the investigative process, calling for swift action on the findings to ensure justice is served. “We call on the government to speed up the investigations and act on the findings to ensure that the law takes its course,” he stated. “Once again, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.”
In response to the incident, President John Dramani Mahama has already ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the full details of the deadly clash.
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