Parliament must probe Obuasi disturbances if gov’t fails to act – Minority
The Minority in Parliament, led by its leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has announced plans to conduct a fact-finding mission in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, following violent clashes between local miners and AngloGold Ashanti.
The clashes, which claimed nine lives and left several others injured, involved confrontations between local miners and military personnel deployed to provide security for AngloGold Ashanti’s operations.
Expressing concern over the incident, Afenyo-Markin called for immediate and comprehensive action to address the root causes of the conflict.
He warned that if the government fails to initiate a credible investigation, Parliament will step in with its own inquiry.
“If the government does not act – we don’t want any empty action but a comprehensive action that people will have confidence in. So this Parliament will have to constitute a committee to immediately visit Obuasi to get into this matter and ensure that the business community gets the assurances that the business community is safe to do business in all other places that there is violence.”
Afenyo-Markin highlighted the need for peaceful coexistence among stakeholders, including local communities, mining companies and security forces.
He stressed that Parliament has a critical role in ensuring oversight and fostering public confidence in the resolution process.
He reiterated the Minority’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of all parties involved and ensuring that business operations in mining communities can proceed without fear of violence.
Source: citinewsroom
