The Ashanti Regional Police command has denied claims it has withdrawn some of its members stationed at Anglogold Ashanti’s Obuasi mine to protect lives and property.
The Sustainability Manager of Anglogold Ashanti, Nana Ampofo had told Citi Business News the police had withdrawn some of its SWAT team members reducing the number from 13 to 8.
[contextly_sidebar id=”iNyqJvnSSltCxoxBIX16shur3DCzR9E3″]Clashes between some illegal miners and officials of Anglogold Ashanti last weekend, led to the death of the Communications director of the mining company, John Owusu.
According to Nana Ampofo, the illegal miners have since extended their intrusion into the underground mine of the company’s concession.
“…Over the last couple of days, since the incident happened, we have the illegal miners within the heart of our concession. They have gone even to the extent of accessing our underground operations now.” He stated.
But Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, ASP Mohammed Yusif Tanko dismissed the comments stating that the Police have been engaged in flushing out the illegal miners.
“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,”
On whether or not the Police has withdrawn some of their members from duty, ASP Mohammed Yusif Tanko said, “Not at all, we have even increased the number of our men there.”
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citifmonline.com/Ghana