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Police denies pulling men out of Obuasi

The police said contrary to AGA's claims, they have rather "increased the number of our men there.”

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He said the police, contrary to AGA's claims, have rather "increased the number of our men there.”

ASP Tanko added that the police in the region are working with authorities in Obuasi to ensure peace and tranquility.

“We have worked hand in hand with the authorities in Obuasi to ensure that there is peace and tranquility on their concession.We have been able to do that for a very long time, we have also been able to drive all the illegal miners from the concession and we are still policing the place and providing support to protect lives and property,” he said.

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AGA suspended mining operations following disturbing clashes between illegal miners and some of its staff, resulting in the death of the Communications Director of the company,Mr John Owusu.

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Mr Owusu was run over by a company vehicle during a swoop on galamsey operators in a concession of AGA at Obuasi. He was then rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.

In press release Wednesday Feb. 10, AGA asked for troops protection from the Ghana Army under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ghana Army and the Chamber of Mines, on behalf of its members.

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"The onus for ensuring safety and security of individuals and property in any country, and therefore restoring safety and security to the site, lies with the authorities," AGA said.

The company said it has withdrawn all "employees performing non-essential functions from its Obuasi Gold Mine, following the incursion of hundreds of illegal miners inside the fenced operational areas of the site since 5 February 2016."

The Ghana Mine Workers Union, (GMWU) in an interview with Citi FM ,condemned the clashes in Obuasi.

General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union, Prince William Ankrah said the security agencies must be tough on illegal miners so as to protect lives and properties.

“Nobody should encourage this activity of illegal miners; we condemn it entirely and we need to be careful as a nation. We don’t accommodate some of these behaviors. Even though we all agree that we need to all have sources of livelihood. But the security agencies must be seen dealing with all those who are said to be part of the act. We as a union were shocked to have heard that John Owusu has passed away because these galamsey operators were chasing them.”

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