Newmont Ahafo Mine Killings CSOs Call On IGP, Government To Act!
A coalition of civil society organisations and human rights defenders has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the conduct of police personnel deployed to protect Newmont's Ahafo South mines, following a devastating incident that resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to others.
The incident, which occurred on January 8, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many stakeholders questioning the use of excessive force by state security personnel.
The coalition, comprising Wacam, Centre for Public Interest Law, Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis, Global Media Foundation, and Centre for Social Impact Studies, has also called on the Government to conduct independent investigations into the underlying insecurity and human rights violations in mining communities.
In a statement, the coalition emphasised the need for mining companies, including Newmont, to take greater responsibility for protecting human rights and preventing future incidents of gross human rights abuses.
The coalition's call to action comes amidst growing concerns about the systemic trend of insecurity and harassment in mining communities, particularly those affected by Newmont's Ahafo mines.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has previously investigated human rights abuses in the mining sector, revealing evidence of harassment and inhumane treatment of alleged illegal miners and innocent community members by state security personnel.
The report by CHRAJ emphasized the need for security agencies to comply with Article 15 (1) (2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which guarantees the dignity and worth of all persons.
However, the actions of mining companies, including Newmont, have consistently violated the rights of people in mining communities with impunity.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana ensures the right to life and fair trial. However, the use of extrajudicial actions by state security personnel and mining companies has resulted in needless deaths and injuries to poor and vulnerable individuals.
The coalition's statement emphasized the need for urgent action to address the systemic insecurity and human rights violations in mining communities.
Specifically, the coalition called for:
1. Independent investigations into the incident and the broader human rights violations in mining communities.
2. Investigation into police conduct, particularly the actions of personnel deployed to protect Newmont.
3. Review of security protocols in mining areas, recognizing the rights of mining-affected communities.
4. Accountability for mining companies, requiring them to take greater responsibility for protecting human rights.
The time for change is now. We must ensure that mining companies and law enforcement agencies operate within the boundaries of the law and respect human rights.
The coalition urged the Government to take immediate action to address the concerns of mining-affected communities and to prevent future incidents of human rights abuses.
The Government must also ensure that mining companies are held accountable for their actions and that they prioritize the protection of human rights and the environment.
The incident at Newmont's Ahafo South mines is a wake-up call for the Government and mining companies to take urgent action to address the systemic insecurity and human rights violations in mining communities.
We cannot continue to allow the rights of mining-affected communities to be trampled upon with impunity.
It is time for change.
Signed,
Kwaku Afari (Technical Director, Wacam)
Alhassan Iddrissu (Legal Advocate, Centre for Public Interest Law)
Samuel Obiri (Dr) (Executive Director, Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis)
Raphael Ahenu (Executive Director, Global Media Foundation)
Robert Tanti Ali (Executive Director, Centre for Social Impact Studies)