On the night of Saturday, January 18, 2025, a violent confrontation occurred at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi gold mining site in Ashanti Region, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reported that approximately 60 individuals, identified as illegal miners, breached the mine’s security fence at the Cote D’or Ramp around 11:00 PM. Armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, axes, machetes, and heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, the intruders attempted to access the mine’s Deep Decline area.
According to the GAF, the illegal miners initiated an attack on the military patrol deployed under Operation HALT II, opening fire on the soldiers.
In self-defense, the troops returned fire, leading to a shootout that resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners and left one seriously injured.
The remaining intruders fled the scene. During the altercation, a soldier sustained injuries from pellets discharged by a pump-action gun; he has since received medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the site.
In response to the incident, the GAF emphasized that military personnel on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force if necessary to preserve life.
They cautioned illegal miners to avoid mining concessions and desist from engaging troops in violent confrontations, as such actions could have fatal consequences.
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has ordered an immediate investigation into the tragic event. The government has also directed AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the injured and the costs associated with the burials of the deceased.
AngloGold Ashanti has confirmed that calm has been restored to the Obuasi mine following the incident. The company is collaborating closely with authorities to ensure the safety and health of its employees and the community members directly affected by the confrontation.
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