Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Minister nominee for the Ashanti Region has revealed once peace is fully restored schools in Obuasi will be reopened.
According to the minister nominee, they cannot keep schools closed indefinitely but the safety and well-being of students are their top priority.
Public and private schools in Obuasi in the Ashanti region have been closed down following a clash between illegal miners and the military.
The schools have been closed down following a violent clash between small-scale miners and the military has led to 8 persons reportedly dead in Obuasi. The military personnel were said to be guarding the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine.
The information gathered reveals four vehicles have also been burnt following the clash. Reports suggest the incident happened last night on January 18, which has heightened tensions.
Heavy security has been deployed to the area, however, students in the Obuasi community have been directed to stay away from school.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr Amoakohene stated, “We cannot keep schools closed indefinitely, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priority.
“Once we are certain that peace has been fully restored and the community feels secure, we will reopen the schools and allow life to return to normal”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces have revealed that the miners fired first at soldiers who tried to stop them from accessing Anglo Gold Ashanti mines. According to the GAF statement, their troops returned fire in self-defence leading to the death of seven illegal miners and one seriously injured.
