Alidu Seidu, a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti region, has condemned the recent violent incidents in the country, particularly the clash between the Ghana Armed Forces and some youth of Obuasi, which led to several deaths.

He stated that such incidents pose a significant threat to the country’s democracy. In an interview on Oyerepa TV on January 22, 2025, Seidu accused the ruling government of allowing its members to perpetuate violence in the country. He explained that, given the current situation, many Ghanaians regret voting President John Dramani Mahama into power due to his inability to maintain order in the country.

“There was nothing significant that the NDC did to maximize their vote. It was our own people that did not vote, which is why we didn’t win the election. But wait, Ghanaians did not vote for what is happening now... people had the perception that John Mahama had been president before, and that is why they voted for him. But as I speak today, if we were to vote today, things would be different. The government itself is dead on arrival because of the current situation in the country. People have regretted voting for Mahama. There is nothing more important than peace.”

He also emphasized that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would never engage in such acts of violence, referring to instances of coalition centers being invaded or goods being stolen.

The violent clash occurred on January 18, 2025, when some illegal miners entered the concession of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) in Obuasi. A confrontation ensued between the illegal miners and soldiers stationed at the site. According to a statement by the Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, at around 11:00 PM on January 18, a group of approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence of the AngloGold Ashanti mine and attempted to access the Deep Decline area.

The soldiers, who were on a mission under Operation HALT II, responded when they were fired upon by the illegal miners, who were armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, axes, and machetes. The situation escalated, and the soldiers were forced to act in self-defense. The shootout resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners, with one person seriously injured.

The President has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. In a letter signed by the President's spokesperson, Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, the government expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of up to eight lives, said to be illegal miners, following the violent clash at the Obuasi mining site.



AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch as NDC supporters vandalise Ho Central office over government appointment