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CeSIS Calls for Sustainable Solutions Amidst Obuasi Shooting Incident

The Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS) has condemned the killing of nine small-scale miners in Obuasi, describing the incident as unacceptable and calling for a sustainable solution to the ongoing tensions between miners and AngloGold Ashanti (AGA).

On Sunday morning, residents of Obuasi woke up to the shocking news that nine miners, allegedly attempting to enter portions of AGA’s concession, were shot and killed by soldiers of Operation Halt II, who were deployed to protect the mine. In response, a group of angry miners went on a rampage, destroying property belonging to AGA and its contractors.

While various reports have emerged about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Ghana Armed Forces released a statement asserting that the miners were armed and fired at the soldiers first, leading to a defensive response. However, CeSIS expressed concern over the heavy-handed approach taken by the security personnel, arguing that efforts could have been made to prevent the loss of lives.

In their press release, CeSIS acknowledged the illegality of the miners’ actions but emphasized that military intervention should not have resulted in fatalities. The organization highlighted the growing militarization of mining communities, warning of potential human rights violations and advocating for a more sustainable approach to conflict resolution through dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

The incident has rekindled memories of a similar event in February 2016, when small-scale miners forcefully entered AGA’s underground mine. The situation was eventually resolved through the intervention of the Minerals Commission, which formed a Movement Committee to relocate the miners to newly allocated concessions. CeSIS lamented the abrupt termination of this initiative following a change in government and urged authorities to revisit such strategies.

CeSIS supports the call by President John Dramani Mahama for a thorough investigation into the tragic event. The organization has further recommended that the probe be elevated to a Commission of Enquiry to ensure transparency and uncover the real facts surrounding the shooting.

As tensions remain high in Obuasi, CeSIS has urged all parties to remain calm and allow the investigative process to take its course. They reiterated their commitment to advocating for a long-term resolution that balances the interests of both AngloGold Ashanti and small-scale miners while ensuring the safety of all stakeholders in the mining community.

The community now waits anxiously for the outcome of the investigations, hoping for a resolution that prevents such tragedies in the future.

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