The Majority in Parliament has criticised what they have described as an attempt by the Minority to politicise the recent deadly clashes in Obuasi.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, January 21, Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, condemned the actions of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs and urged them to sympathise with the families of the deceased.
“They also created a misleading impression that the unfortunate demise of the miners is a result of political violence. The NDC Majority in Parliament condemns the desperate attempt by the NPP Minority to politicise the unfortunate development instead of sympathising with the bereaved families,” he stated.
Dr. Ato Forson assured that the government is committed to investigating the matter as President Mahama directed.
“Finally, we wish to assure the people of Ghana, and pursuant to the directive of His Excellency, the President, an impartial, timely, and efficient investigation would be carried out in due course in the matter that has just happened at Obuasi, and the NDC does not subscribe to violence,” he added.
READ ALSO: Small scale miners condemn bloody shooting at Obuasi
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, a group of approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area of the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, Ashanti Region.
The miners, who were reportedly armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, and other weapons, opened fire on the military personnel guarding the mine when confronted.
In self-defence, the soldiers returned fire, resulting in the deaths of eight persons, with other illegal miners seriously injured.
One soldier also sustained injuries after being hit by pellets from a pump-action gun.
Meanwhile, six of the deceased were laid to rest in an Islamic ceremony yesterday, January 21.
Two of the victims, identified as non-Muslims, remain at the mortuary.