AngloGold Deaths: It Was ‘Excessive’ To Shoot To Kill – Prof. Smart Sarpong Slams Military

Prof. Smart Sarpong has raised concerns over the Military response to a miners’ confrontation at AngloGold Ashanti in Obuasi, Ashanti Region.

About eight people died and others severally injured when soldiers safeguarding AngloGold Ashanti fired gunshots at some illegal miners believed to the ruling NDC supporters who stormed the company’s mining territory.

The miners, according to accounts, had thronged the mine shaft of the company in hope to make ends meet but unfortunately were met with aggressive resistance by the Military.

Addressing the issue on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo”, Prof. Smart Sarpong bemoaned the Military action stating their response was “excessive”.

Although he condemned the miners’ trespass, he hoped the soldiers had targeted their limbs and other body parts as, to him, the “shoot to kill’ order was disproportionate.

“I think their response was quite excessive. I don’t know who gave the shoot-to-kill command, that is a pint we will look at but the youth must be advised”, the Senior Researcher stated.

He also advised the youth to stop using violence to address their concerns and added they must employ the appropriate methods to let their voice be heard.

Source: Ghmessenger.com