“These acts of impunity have been aided by the indulgent silence of politicians, public officers and institutions that should defend and advance rights, and accountability of all,” he said.

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In Talensi, northern Ghana, where the Shaanxi and Cassius mines are located, anger has been growing in the local community. West African security analyst Adam Bonaa said the situation was volatile.

“A day will come when the people [will] rise up,” he said. “They will rise up against everybody including the traditional leaders and government.”

The families of victims said they planned to protest outside the Chinese state-linked mine in the coming days.