Challenging Heights, a human and environmental rights organisation, is calling for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the recent fatal clash between civilians and military personnel in Obuasi in the Ashanti region.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, January 21, the organisation's advocacy officer, Emmanuel Annobil, stated that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police may not be the most appropriate body to conduct the investigation.

As a result, the organisation is urging for a more independent inquiry. “We are calling for a commission of inquiry into the military clash with the Obuasi community. We believe that having one security agency investigate the actions of another may not inspire confidence in the report,” he said.

“Therefore, while the police should continue with their criminal investigations, a commission of inquiry, being more open and transparent, will provide a more comprehensive report that addresses all aspects of the incident,” he added.

Mr Annobil commended the government's response to the violence, stating, “We support the call made by the government of Ghana for AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical bills of the injured and the burial costs of those who lost their lives. The president's call for an investigation into the clashes is also commendable.”

The organisation expressed concern over the growing threat that mining activities pose to national security. “It is obvious to us that mining is quickly becoming a national security threat. Clashes of this nature have become a regular occurrence in our recent history,” Mr Annobil said.

Challenging Heights also condemned the ongoing human rights violations in mining communities across the country. “Members of mining communities continue to be impoverished, and human rights abuses persist in these areas. While we acknowledge that mining companies are legally permitted to operate, they must respect the rights of local communities and their environment.”

The organisation also expressed disappointment that the victims of the Obuasi clash were quickly labelled as ‘thugs’ or ‘illegal miners’ before any investigation had been carried out. “These are matters of human and environmental rights, and it is crucial that the voices of the local people are heard,” Mr Annobil emphasised.

The tragic clash has resulted in nine fatalities, with seven of the victims laid to rest on Tuesday, a week after the incident.