AngloGold Shootings: Small Scale Miners Association Blames Akufo-Addo Govt

The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) has pointed fingers at the immediate past government for Saturday’s clash between some military officers and illegal miners at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine.

At least seven people are said to have lost their lives after trespassing on the concession of the mining giant.

In a statement the NCSSMAG condemned the action of the military and defended the intruders, saying they were “simply seeking to make a livelihood”.

“These actions are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for justice for those who lost their lives. No one should lose their life in such circumstances, and we demand thorough investigations into these incidents to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.”

To the Association, the Akufo-Addo government is to blame for failing to implement sustainable solutions to illegal mining.

“Previous governments, particularly under the leadership that ignored the well-crafted recommendations of the Dr. Anyimadu-Antwi-led committee, bear significant responsibility.

“The committee had proposed a relocation plan that would have relinquished 60% of mining concessions to indigenous small-scale miners. Unfortunately, instead of supporting this initiative, these concessions were handed over to politicians, businessmen, and foreign entities, including Chinese companies.”

This, it said, has left locals without livelihoods.
Referencing Kingasini, it recollected how scale miners were successfully relocated, creating peace and stability in the mining community.

Meanwhile, the Association is demanding an investigation and Accountability into the misallocation of 60% relinquished concessions meant for small-scale miners; implementation of Sustainable Policies; and Support for Small-Scale Miners; Publication of Reports and Prosecution of Perpetrators.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini