The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has attributed the Obuasi killings to the country’s political structure and a deep-rooted sense of entitlement in governance.
According to Mr. Braimah, Ghana’s political landscape has evolved into a system where power is viewed as an opportunity for personal and partisan gain.
“I think these things happen as a result of how our politics has been structured. Over the years, it has become a matter of your party being in power, and it’s your time to benefit. This mindset is not just at the grassroots level but extends from the community and district levels to the regional and even national levels,” he explained on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 25.
He pointed out that such entitlement fuels unrest, including violent protests and the destruction of party offices when certain individuals or MPs are not appointed to expected positions.
This follows a violent clash between soldiers and illegal miners in Obuasi, which resulted in several fatalities.
The incident, which occurred last Saturday, involved illegal miners reportedly encroaching on the concession of AngloGold Ashanti, leading to a confrontation with soldiers guarding the site.
Mr. Braimah described the incident as an unfortunate and painful development and extended his condolences to the families affected.
“These things shouldn’t happen. Commiserations to the families that have lost their relatives; it’s really, really painful,” he stated.
Mr. Braimah further blamed political leaders for making unrealistic promises during campaigns to secure votes, only to face backlash when those promises prove legally or practically unfeasible.
Meanwhile, the government has ordered an immediate investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, assuring the public that anyone found to have acted unlawfully will face justice.
Additionally, the spokesperson for President Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has pledged a swift investigation into the recent violent clash.
Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, Mr. Kwakye stated that the investigation into the matter would be conducted within reasonable timeframes.
“I am sure that the security agencies know exactly how much time they need. For me, it would not be appropriate at this stage to pressure them or impose timelines when all the facts are not yet available. I do not anticipate that it will take too long, and we do not expect them to drag this investigation beyond reasonable limits,” he remarked.
He further emphasized that once the reports on the incident are available, prompt action and investigations will follow. “We expect it to be completed within a reasonable time, and once the report is in, we will take action,” he added.