Practical Lessons To Learn From AngloGold Vs Obuasi Youths Violence – Public Relations Expert Writes
Writer : Andrew Pratt Quainoo
Public Relations Consultant
0257707499
Lessons To Learn from Obuasi Violence
In October 2012, the BBC Africa Debate team was in Ethiopia asking whether Africa will ever benefit from its natural resources. That question was very relevant when Ghana struck oil back in 2007.
Politicians, business representatives, activists and academics from across the continent took part in the debate, as over 800 experts gathered in Addis Ababa for the Eighth African Development Forum. These were a few findings:
According to Joseph Stiglitz, former chief economist at the World Bank and professor of economics at Columbia University, in the United States “On average, resource-rich countries have done even more poorly than countries without resources,”.
Few African countries process their raw materials – rather, the value is added elsewhere, to the benefit of others.
Much of the profits from resource exploitation leave the continent entirely in the hands of foreign-owned companies which pay low rates of tax.
Foreign-owned resource extraction companies are often criticised for providing little in the way of local employment and contribution to local economies.
The Problem – AngloGold Ashanti
On May 31, 2023, Daily Guide reported that in Obuasi, a group of angry youths destroyed property worth thousands of Ghana Cedis following the detention of illegal miners in an underground concession belonging to AngloGold Ashanti. The crowd destroyed vehicles and other items belonging to AngloGold Ashanti to demand the release of those detained.
In this recent violent clash on January 18th 2025, about 8 or more Ghanaian nationals who are natives of Obuasi were killed. They have been referred to as illegal miners, perhaps in a bid to justify the killings.
These violent clashes are not new. The local authorities in Obuasi and AngloGold Ashanti are very much aware of the problem.
Former Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive Officer Mr. Agyeman Boadu told Joy News in 2015 that “most of the residents of Obuasi feel the company has not treated them fairly”.
It is no secret that the people of Obuasi bear the brunt of injustice and underdevelopment. One way inhabitants attempt to seek justice is normally through reprisals. And often, the Companies under the protection of state security reply with brutal force.
Obuasi may never have peace after this incident. This is not a prophecy; it bears a similar resemblance to other occurrences in some parts of Africa
Lessons From the Case Against Shell – Landmark Human Rights Trial
As reported by www.ccrjustice.org, Shell was involved in a strategy that resulted in the executions of nine Ogoni leaders who were working for environmental justice and human rights, including internationally acclaimed writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. The Center for Constitutional Rights, Earth Rights International and other human rights attorneys sued Shell for their role in the repression of the Ogoni and the executions of the “Ogoni Nine”. The case was settled before a trial could begin. As part of the settlement, Shell will be paying out $15.5 million to the plaintiffs.
The Niger Delta has never seen peace since. The children and grandchildren of those executed keep seeking justice in human rights courts.
In the case of Obuasi, the children of the deceased will grow up knowing their fathers died in an attempt to fight for justice and better living conditions for the community. Will they seek justice in courts if they are properly resourced, or will they resort to violence to seek justice when they grow up? Is this going to be an unending cycle of violence?
Captain Smart factor
Perhaps the minor difference between Ogoni and Obuasi is the third force or catalyst to the violence: Captain Smart. He is exhibiting characteristics of Georges Henri Joseph Ruggiu, a radio presenter who worked for Rwandan radio station Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines, which played a significant role in promoting the genocide against the Tutsi. Captain Smart, in June 2023 urged the youths in unprintable language to illegally enter the dormant concessions of AngloGold to mine.
Whereas there have been other violent clashes between the youths and the mining company, the role of Captain Smart in this latest violence cannot be overlooked. After the violence, the presenter’s justification is that he made the video in 2023, hence he’s not culpable. He should be reminded that Georges Henri Joseph Ruggiu became involved in Rwandan politics just two years before the genocide. Perhaps, Captain Smart is either underestimating the power of the microphone or he is oblivion to its potency. Regardless of his imagination, many believe he is still culpable hence must be responsible for his actions. Others have said the radio presenter kept pushing his luck with his unbridled tongue on several national issues. But it seems his luck has run out this time.
Samartex Timber Company Example
Samartex Timber & Plywood Company is in the Western Region of Ghana. Since 1995 Samartex Timber & Plywood Company Limited has transformed through a massive programme of investment and rehabilitation to become the leading sustainable and socially responsible timber company in Ghana. If you visit the company in Samreboi and perhaps stay in the town for some time, you will hardly find any form of descent. This may be predominantly because about 85 per cent of the adult population in the town work for the company. There is little time to loiter, feel a sense of injustice or create dissension.
Way Forward For AngloGold Ashanti-Stakeholder Consultation
Of course, AGA may not be able to absorb a majority of the inhabitants. Now, a lot of damage has been done, and lives have been lost. It is, therefore, in the best interest of AGA to first mend the broken relationship with the inhabitants. AGA cannot continue to hide behind the government and military. The company cannot operate in such a chaotic environment it helped to create.
“Stakeholder consultation” is almost becoming like a cliché when problems like this arise. So, I will say it in simple terms. The company should engage the chiefs, local authorities, opinion leaders and the youths. Segment the inhabitants and know what their needs are. Talk to them, listen to them and meet their demands halfway. This will prevent any future reprisals. All efforts should be made to appease the youths in particular.
Some experts have suggested that AGA relinquish its dormant concession to the youths of Obuasi since that has been the bone of contention. These activities are crucial for AGA to build trust and maintain a positive relationship with local communities and the youths. Efforts of AGA in fostering a good relationship with its landowners should go beyond regulatory requirements, building schools, hospitals and other amenities. A cordial relationship with the community will ensure a peaceful environment and working conditions. The riches from the depths of Obuasi should become tangible wealth for the ordinary people.
