Security and conflict analyst, Mr. Anthony Acquaye has expressed grave concern over the recent clashes between military personnel and residents at AngloGold Ashanti in Obuasi, which resulted in seven deaths and left eight others injured
In an interview with Citizen Kofi Owusu on Ahotor FM, Mr. Acquaye criticized the military’s handling of the situation, describing their response as excessive and lacking a de-escalation strategy. “It is deeply worrying that military personnel resorted to lethal force against residents who were allegedly searching for food on the AngloGold Ashanti concession. This reflects a failure to use non-lethal methods to manage the situation,” he stated.
Mr. Acquaye pointed out that soldiers are trained professionals who should prioritize minimizing civilian casualties. He questioned why non-lethal measures, such as rubber bullets or tear gas, were not employed. “If the youths on the concession were armed, there are established protocols for disarming and neutralizing threats without resorting to deadly force. The loss of eight lives is excessive and unacceptable,” he emphasized.
The security analyst further criticized the government and military leadership for what he described as a lapse in responsibility. He called on President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action. “The security heads, particularly the Chief of Army Staff, must take responsibility and resign. If the president truly seeks to protect Ghanaians, he must wake up to the realities on the ground,” Mr. Acquaye added.
Drawing parallels with the Niger Delta conflicts in Nigeria, where local communities have clashed with oil companies, Mr. Acquaye warned against allowing similar tensions to escalate in Obuasi. “We can not afford a situation where the local community rises against AngloGold Ashanti or the state. The military must exercise restraint and professionalism when dealing with civilians to avoid further deterioration of trust and security in the area,” he cautioned.
The Obuasi incident has sparked widespread criticism and calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of the military and measures to prevent future clashes. Mr. Acquaye’s remarks reflect a growing concern about the balance between maintaining security and protecting the rights and lives of citizens.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
