FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Accra 22 January 2025
From Chaos To Accountability: AMLALO Calls For Unified Action To Restore Peace In Obuasi
AMLALO expresses grave concern over the recent unrest in Obuasi involving miners and the military who were manning a mine site run by global giant AngloGod Ashanti. This led to loss of lives and properties, and heightened tensions in the community.
While reports suggest media commentary may have contributed to the situation, we emphasize the importance of focusing on credible investigations and collective efforts to restore peace.
We firmly believe that all institutions and stakeholders (government, mining firm, leadership of mining workers union and fraternity. etc) must rise to the occasion and address this issue with urgency and responsibility.
“Words and actions that inflame tensions must be avoided, and we must instead prioritize fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding” – the Executive Director, noted.
To address this crisis effectively, AMLALO calls for the following actions:
1. Security Agencies: Take swift but measured steps to restore calm while maintaining professionalism and upholding the dignity of all affected parties.
2. Media Regulatory Authorities and Associations: Launch a full review into media practices related to this incident and reinforcing standards that prevent sensationalism or inflammatory content.
3. Traditional Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, and Community Stakeholders: Engage in open dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict and rebuild trust between the parties involved.
4. All Citizens: Avoid spreading unverified information or engaging in retaliatory actions. Instead, contribute to peace-building efforts in the spirit of shared responsibility.
This incident underscores the need for thoughtful and measured communication, not just in the media but across all sectors of society.
Critical issues come to the fore with this incident regarding the prudent management of critical national assets such as the airwaves and mineral resources.
AMLALO believes the following can provide a framework for any evaluation exercise:
1. Urgent reforms in the mining sector to secure sustainable exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources and improving equity in compensations schemes for the affected indigenes and the state
2. Urgent Policy, Legislative and Regulatory interventions to effectively monitor, sanitize and guide the media landscape. This is to protect media freedom and public confidence in the fourth estate as a public interest promoter as well as robustly demand and enforce media responsibility and accountability
3. Urgent resolution of the unemployment menace confronting Ghana’s teeming youth population- currently at a crisis stage
Ghana’s peace remains paramount in sustaining the renewed spirit of patriotism and active citizenship marking the just ended 2024 national elections, inauguration of new political leadership among other milestones.
The great expectation of the majority of Ghanaians to see this nation advance in civil liberties, economic prosperity, good governance, social Justice cannot be dampened down by needless bloodshed and preventable civil unrest!
AMLALO reaffirms its commitment to supporting efforts that enhance citizen interest and participation in the governance of the nation, harmony, and ensure accountability at all levels.
Together, we can transform this moment of crisis into an opportunity to strengthen the values of peace, justice, and mutual respect that unite us as a nation.
About AMLALO:
AMLALO is a non-profit advocacy institution dedicated to promoting media literacy, accountability, and excellence, while fostering accountable governance, social justice, patriotism, and active citizenship.
Through strategic advocacy and partnerships, AMLALO works to ensure an empowered citizenry – more informed and responsible society that upholds the values of integrity, equity, and unity.
Signed
Anne Kenkali Joel
Executive Director
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