Members of the Amansie West District Assembly, have warned of a possible district-wide unrest between communities in the area and Asanko Mines, if urgent action is not taken to address the continued harassment and killings of people in the area.
They alleged that the killings were being perpetuated by the military personnel protecting the company.
They warned that without swift intervention to control the excesses, which had already led to the gruesome murder of some innocent people, the situation could escalate into a violent confrontation between the local community members and the mining company.
This is contained in a petition presented to Mr Prince Manu Morris, the District Chief Executive (DCE), following the killing of the assembly Member for Aboaboso electoral area, by military officers protecting the concession of the Asanko Mines in the area.
The assembly member was said to have been shot and killed by the security officers when he tried to mediate in a confrontation between the youth and the military officers.
The killing of the assembly member and another young man in the community, has heightened tension resulting in the burning of some heavy-duty equipment of the mining company.
Mr Antwi Amponsah, Presiding Member of the Assembly, who presented the petition on behalf of the assembly members, pointed out that the string of violent confrontations, could escalate if urgent steps were not taken to address the issue.
He described the killing of the assembly man as “shocking” and said tension had reached a boiling point, which needed urgent action.
The petition, marked by urgency and outrage, called on the DCE to forward the matter to the Ashanti Regional Minister, President John Dramani Mahama, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to help find lasting solution to the problem.
He said the safety of assembly members and the broader community was under threat.
The petition also brought to light the detention of another assembly member, Mr Patrick Boamah, who was arrested and held without charges.
The assembly members described the current situation as blatant harassment and a violation of their rights, and could further intensify the climate of insecurity.
The DCE in response, assured the assembly members that he would forward their grievances to the highest levels of government and traditional authority.
He reiterated that the assembly was committed to protecting its members and those of the community, restoring peace, and ensuring justice for those affected.
Source: GNA
The post Military killings in Amansie West: Assembly members call for swift action to de-escalate tension appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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