The Minority in Parliament has condemned what it described as 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.
The Minority, in a statement, said although they condemn activities of illegal mining, the treatment of the alleged illegal miners was terrible.
”Though the minority vehemently condemns all forms of illegal mining activities and encroaching, we are equally opposed the use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in the fight against illegal mining. The flagrant disregard for our laws under the Akufo-Addo led Government is most unfortunate and must be condemned in the strongest terms as possible. We find this incident despicable, unfortunate and highly reprehensible.”
It, therefore, called for an impartial probe into the matter.
”The Minority, therefore, wish to call for an impartial and credible investigation into this act and the culprits made to face the full sanctions of the law. This is the only way to show that the impunity and favoritism that has characterized this Government is at least being dealt with.”
Read the full statement below
The Minority has 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.
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.
Though the minority vehemently condemns all forms of illegal mining activities and encroaching, we are equally opposed the use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in the fight against illegal mining. The flagrant disregard for our laws under the Akufo-Addo led Government is most unfortunate and must be condemned in the strongest terms as possible. We find this incident despicable, unfortunate and highly reprehensible.
Whilst the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia led Government remains mute on this dastardly and heinous act continuously being meted to the ordinary Ghanaian by some members of the military, foreigners on the hand are always treated with kids gloves and in some instances the law compromised to favor them in the name of building international monetary relations.
You will recall the infamous incident involving a Chinese Galamsey Queen known as Aisha Huang, following her arrest for her involvement in illegal mining, the state unilaterally discontinued the case in court on a flimsy excuse that they stood to secure economic gains for her release. Whiles her prosecution should have been used as a deterrent to others, it was treated with kids gloves as usual.
The Minority therefore wish to call for an impartial and credible investigation into this act and the culprits made to face the full sanctions of the law. This is the only way to show that the impunity and favoritism that has characterized this Government is at least being dealt with.
We shall remain vigilant and committed towards ensuring that the rights of every Ghanaian is protected under the constitution.
Thank you.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
