The minority in Ghana Parliament has condemned the reported arrest and torture of some illegal miners in Obuasi by soldiers.
The miners were allegedly made to swim in mud waters whilst being tortured. The suspects were arrested while allegedly mining on a concession belonging to AngloGold Ashanti.
In the said viral video, a group of young men were made to lie in dirty, muddy water as the military personnel brandished weapons over them.
It is unclear what the operation was about and who authorized it but sources revealed that it occurred on Friday, July 15, 2022, at one of the sites belonging to AngloGold Ashanti.
The miners numbering over 30, were reported 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.
Addressing the media in Parliament, minority spokesperson on Mines and Energy, John Jinapor, accused the government of discrimination against locals in the fight against illegal mining.
The former deputy power minister demanded immediate investigations into the matter as he questioned the silence of the Defence and Lands and Natural Resources ministers for their silence.
Mr Jinapor speaking to the Media stated that the abuse and torture of the illegal miners is condemnable and highly reprehensible.
“We strongly condemn the use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in the so-called fight against illegal mining, This flagrant disregard for our laws and constitution under the Akufo-Addo government is unfortunate and must be roundly condemned.”
