Obuasi: Anglogold Ashanti reports that calm has been restored after a fatal confrontation between illegal miners and military personnel at the company’s Obuasi concession on Saturday night. The incident resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and took place within the fenced operational area in the northern section of the concession.
According to Ghana News Agency, Anglogold Ashanti issued a statement on Sunday, January 19, confirming the occurrence. The company emphasized its collaboration with authorities to ensure the safety and health of its employees and the affected community members.
A group of approximately 60 illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, axes, and other tools, breached the security fence at a Cote D’or Ramp in an attempt to access the Deep Decline. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reported that the illegal miners fired at a military patrol team conducting Operation HALT II duties when they were stopped from entering the area.
The military responded with gunfire in self-defense, resulting in the deaths of seven illegal miners and leaving one seriously injured. Additionally, a soldier sustained injuries from a pellet shot from a pump-action gun and received medical treatment. The GAF troops were able to recover six pump-action BB cartridges from the scene.
The Government has expressed regret over the loss of lives, and President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to uncover the circumstances of the clashes and ensure accountability for any unlawful actions.