Spokesperson for President John Mahama Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu has assured the public that government would investigate and bring to book the perpetrators responsible for the Obuasi Killing incident.
This incident, where 8 civilians were confirmed dead and others wounded, has sparked national attention, prompting a response from government.
In his address, Felix Kwakye began by clarifying rumors about a communication allegedly sent by a section of the miners to one Tony Aubin.
“First of all, I’m not aware of any such letter or communication to any member within the structure of the NDC. The second point is that we have to be cautious in the way we ascribe identities to individuals who have been alleged to have engaged in this action – in any event, the political coloration of the individuals would not matter. If anybody does anything unlawful, the laws of Ghana are to apply in the same way without discrimination. So, the attempts to paint this with the political brush in my view is unfortunate.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
He emphasized the importance of verifying facts before concluding when disseminating information.
“Illegal mining has become a major national menace,” he remarked. The government is poised to roll out measures to tackle this problem, as outlined in their manifesto. However, he noted;
“But before these measures are rollout, it is important that this particular incident is isolated and looked into thoroughly to determine all the facts. I am not in the position as I speak to you to determine the political identity of those who did it- what matters is that lives have been lost. It is the primary responsibility of every government to guarantee the safety and security of its citizens. So, when we wake up to the story that 8 people have been gunned down in circumstances that are unclear, the first port of call is to unravel what happen.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
Moreover, he underscored the need to avoid ascribing identities or motives prematurely, noting that the investigation aims to unravel the truth behind the events. He added; “Every entity involved in mining activities must guarantee the safety and security of its business.’’
He pointed out that similar incidents had occurred in other parts of the country, indicating a need for consistent security measures, and with the mentioned community, he assured that the government is working around the clock to restore calm to the community. He added;
“There are quite a number of these closed or disused mines dotted across the country.” The government is expected to engage both large mining outfits and local communities to ensure that these sites do not become hotspots for illegal activities.
Shifting the focus to another security issue, Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged a conflict in the Oti Region that resulted in multiple deaths and the destruction of property.
“That was the matter that came to my attention early Saturday morning – That conflict is believed to be a chieftaincy dispute that has [persisted] for quiet a time.’’
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
He assured that the government had deployed security forces to restore order and prevent further violence.
Timeline for Investigation and Presidential Directive
Regarding the timeline for investigations into the Anglogold incident, Mr. Kwakye indicated;
“The president has directed that within a specific period, we must get to know what exactly happened and take actions from there.’’
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s address sheds light on the government’s approach to tackling illegal mining and managing crises in mining communities.
His call for thorough investigations, community engagement, and clear policy planning underscores the government’s commitment to addressing these complex issues effectively.
In short, the AngloGold unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to ensure safety, security, and sustainable mining practices in Ghana.
READ ALSO; Eight Civilians Killed in Obuasi: EFL Demands Accountability
