By Muyid Deen Suleman
Obuasi (Ash), Jan. 21, GNA – Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister designate, has appealed to residents of Obuasi to remain calm, as government engages stakeholders to investigate the shooting to death of some illegal miners in the town by soldiers.
He said the government would go all out to find a lasting solution to issues that led to the violent confrontation between local miners and military officers resulting in the death of nine people.
Speaking to journalists after leading a government delegation to visit the town, Dr Amoakohene said it was important for all the people in the town to remain calm as investigations continue.
During the visit it was observed that bereaved families had gathered at the Obuasi Government Hospital to take custody of the bodies of their loved ones.
Pathologists were brought in to perform autopsies, to allow the police to release the bodies to the families.
The tragic incident occurred when military officers providing security for the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, reportedly opened fire in self-defense.
Nine of the miners were killed, and eight others were injured.
Four of the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The government has launched an investigation into the clash, but Dr. Amoakohene has appealed for calm while the probe continues.

The Minister-designate urged civilians to refrain from taking the law into their own hands when similar disputes arose.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has called for effective stakeholder consultations to resolve the recurring tensions in the mining community.
Mr Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Association said it was time for concrete action to prevent the recurrence of the tragic incident.
In response to the violence, a heavy military presence has been deployed to all entry and exit points of the Obuasi mine.
Public and private schools in Obuasi remain closed as the Ghana Education Service monitors the security situation.
Workers of the AngloGold Obuasi Mine have also been instructed to work from home for safety reasons, according to sources.
The government delegation also held discussions with the management of AngloGold to assess the situation and seek collaborative solutions.
GNA