By Edzorna Francis Mensah
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the alleged military brutality of suspected illegal miners at Obuasi in Ashanti Region.
The group at a news conference in Parliament disclosed that they had received “very disturbing reports on the inhumane treatment meted out to suspected illegal miners arrested by the military on the premises of Anglo-Gold Ashanti, a mining company in Obuasi”.
In the released video, the suspected illegal miners were seen lying prostrate in a muddy water body while the military personnel stood over them with guns, issuing out instructions.
Speaking to the press, the Ranking Member on the Energy Committee in Parliament, John Jinapor condemned the torture and use of brute.
“And we are well informed that following the arrest of these suspected miners on Friday 15th July, the suspects were subjected to severe torture, leading to scores of human rights abuses. We are equally opposed to the use of brute, excessive, and disproportionate force in the fight against illegal mining. This is a heinous crime meted out to ordinary Ghanaians.“
“The flagrant disregard for our laws under the Akufo-Addo-led government is most unfortunate and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. We find this incident despicable, unfortunate, and highly reprehensible,” he stated on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
The group, therefore, called for an impartial and credible investigation into the act.
“The Minority, therefore, wish to call on government particularly, the Minister for Defence, Minister for Interior and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to as a matter of urgency constitute an impartial credible investigation into this dastardly act and whoever is found culpable must face the full rigours of the law,” he added.
