The Economic Fighters League (EFL) has expressed outrage over the killing of eight civilians in Obuasi on January 19, 2025, allegedly carried out by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and justified by AngloGold Ashanti and the Presidency’s Communication team.
The victims, labelled as illegal miners, were shot under circumstances that the Economic Fighters League described as a “calculated murder” and a grave miscarriage of justice.
In a strongly worded press statement signed by Commander-in-Chief Ernesto Yeboah, the EFL condemned the use of force and questioned the narratives offered by the GAF, the Presidency, and AngloGold Ashanti, which they argued aimed to legitimize the killings based on unproven accusations of illegal mining activities.
“We strongly condemn the narratives advanced by the GAF, the Presidency, and AngloGold Ashanti, which appear to serve as an unlawful attempt to justify the calculated murder of these civilians based on mere suspicion of illegality. These actions betray the principles of justice, due process, and the sanctity of Ghanaian lives.”
Commander-in-Chief: Ernesto Yeboah, the Economic Fighters League
The Economic Fighters League further called for a full-scale investigation into the incident to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
“Accountability must prevail,” the statement read, adding that no Ghanaian life should be deemed less valuable than the profits of a multinational corporation.
The group further criticized the state’s selective mobilization of its security apparatus, stating that the urgency displayed in defending corporate interests sharply contrasts with the government’s failure to address environmental degradation and protect the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians.
Condolences and a Plea for Justice
The Economic Fighters League extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with those injured.
They urged investigators and the public not to let the “illegal miner” label obscure the fundamental human rights violations involved. “Lives cannot be collateral in the pursuit of profit,” the group declared, emphasizing that the state must prioritize its citizens’ safety and welfare over corporate interests.
The EFL’s statement also highlighted broader concerns about Ghana’s governance priorities. “The time has come for the state to realign its priorities to protect its people and the environment rather than serving the interests of multinational corporations,” the group asserted.
The incident has sparked public outcry, with civil society organizations, community leaders, and rights groups demanding transparency in the investigation.
Many activists are of the view that the killings are a stark reminder of the growing tensions between corporate mining interests and local communities struggling to survive amid economic challenges.
The Economic Fighters League pledged to monitor developments closely and continue advocating for justice and the protection of Ghanaian lives.
For further details, the Economic Fighters League provided contacts for their national spokespersons and leadership, including John Koomson and Nii Ayi Opare, underscoring their commitment to engaging with the public and the media to demand accountability.
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