The Minority in Parliament is demanding an impartial investigation into alleged torture of illegal miners arrested on the concession of Anglo-gold Ashanti.
The suspected ‘galamseyers’ who were arrested on Friday 15th July, 2022 were allegedly subjected to severe torture by Military personnel leading to scores of human rights abuses.
Briefing the media in Parliament on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, minority members of the Mines and Energy Committee condemned the disturbing treatment of the illegal miners and expressed worry at the continued flagrant disregard for state laws under the Akufo-Addo-led government.
Ranking Member of the Committee, John Jinapor stressed the incident is most despicable, unfortunate and highly reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.
He said, “Though the Minority vehemently condemns all forms of illegal mining activities and encroaching, we are equally opposed to the use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in the fight against illegal mining.”
The Caucus expressed chagrin 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 while foreigners continue to be treated with kids’ gloves and in some instances the law comprised to favour 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.”
“While her prosecution should have been used as a deterrent to others, it was treated with kids’ gloves as usual,” he stated.
According to the Minority, the culprits of this act should be made to face the full sanctions of the law after the investigation.
This, it said, is the only way to demonstrate the impunity and favouritism that has characterized the government is at least being dealt with.