Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislators for what he sees as the politicisation of the recent clashes in Obuasi, which claimed nine lives.

Speaking to the press outside Parliament on Tuesday, the Minister condemned the opposition's approach to the tragic incident, urging them to show compassion instead of exploiting the situation for political gains.

"They also created a misleading impression that the unfortunate demise of the miners [in Obuasi] is as a result of political violence. The NDC Majority caucus in Parliament condemns the desperate attempt by the NPP Minority to politicise the unfortunate development in Obuasi. Instead of sympathizing with the bereaved families and applauding the government's proactiveness, the NPP minority is dabbling in cheap politics. It is obvious that NPP is yet to recover from the shock of its monumental defeat, and as such, they are engaging in cheap politicking," he said.

He said it during a press briefing outside Parliament on Monday, January 31.

"We urge them to come to terms with the resounding defeat that they suffered in the last election and allow the two-week-old government to steer the affairs of state in line with the mandate of the people of Ghana."

The Finance Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investigating the incident in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive.

"Finally, we wish to assure the people of Ghana that pursuant to the directive of His Excellency the President, an impartial, timely and efficient investigation would be carried out in due course in the matter that has just happened at Obuasi and the NDC does not subscribe to violence," he added.

The Obuasi clashes, which involved a confrontation between illegal miners and military personnel, have heightened tensions in the area, prompting calls for calm and thorough investigations into the matter.