Minority calls for probe into alleged assault on suspected illegal miners

The Minority in Parliament has called for an independent probe into allegations of torture meted out to suspected illegal miners arrested on the concession of AngloGold Ashanti last week.

The incident which reportedly occurred on Friday, 15 July 2022 in Obuasi, Ashanti Region saw young men laying in the mud as the military personnel brandished weapons over them.

The miners numbering over 30, are said to have sneaked into the underground pits of the company despite warnings and were said to be mining when the armed security agencies arrested them.

It is, however, unclear what the operation was about and who authorised the punishment meted out on the young galamseyers.

Condemning the action, the Ranking Member of the Mines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor, said the behaviour of the military leaves much to be desired.

Addressing the press in Parliament,  the Yapei-Kusawgu legislator condemned what he calls the selective treatment of foreigners as against Ghanaians in the fight against illegal mining.

“Foreigners are always being treated with kid gloves and in some instances, the law is compromised to favour these foreigners when they fall foul of the law. You will recall the infamous incident involving a Chinese Galamsey Queen, Aisha Huang. Rather than prosecuting her, the state unilaterally discontinued the case in court on a very flimsy and baseless excuse.

“This clearly demonstrates the double standards being practiced by the Akufo-Addo Bawumia-led government. The Minority wishes to therefore call on the government to as a matter of urgency constitute an impartial investigation into this dastardly act, and whoever is found culpable must face the full rigours of the law.”

In that regard, he communicated the Minority’s readiness to ensure that such cases of abuse under the Akufo-Addo-led administration are accounted for.

“This flagrant disregard of our laws and Constitution under the Akufo-Addo government is most unfortunate and must be roundly condemned in the strongest terms possible,” he added.