The Mahama administration is under growing pressure from residents and civil society groups in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, following months of silence on the investigative report into a deadly shooting incident that claimed nine lives earlier this year.
Community members, led by the Concerned Citizens of Adansi, are demanding answers and transparency regarding the incident, which involved military personnel deployed to the area during a confrontation with illegal miners.
President of the Concerned Citizens group, Anthony Coffie Nature, expressed deep frustration over what he described as government inaction and lack of accountability.
“We were told the President had instructed AngloGold Ashanti to take care of the bills of the affected people. It’s obvious the government has taken no step to cater for the welfare of the families of the deceased,” Coffie Nature said.
He accused the Ministry of Defence of deliberately withholding the findings of the internal probe, describing the decision as “unacceptable” and “unfair.”
“We strongly disagree. We are interested in whatever findings came up. It is important for us to know whatever happened. For them to keep the report to their chest is unfair,” he added.
The Obuasi shooting incident triggered nationwide outrage earlier this year, after reports revealed that several unarmed civilians were caught in crossfire during a military operation targeting illegal mining activity. Details of what led to the fatal shootings remain unclear, and the lack of an official report has intensified suspicions and grief among bereaved families.
“The decision to withhold the report is only deepening mistrust in the government and security agencies,” Coffie Nature said. “We speak to the families of the deceased, and they want to know the truth. Publishing the report will clear doubts and help restore public trust.”
He also called on the government to honor its promise of compensation and support for the affected families, warning that continued silence could trigger further civil action.
“Our next step is to petition the government to get the report published. This is not going away—we want justice for the people who lost their lives,” he stated.
The Ministry of Defence has yet to provide a detailed explanation for its decision to keep the findings confidential. Meanwhile, calls for transparency continue to grow louder as the affected community waits for answers.
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