Ghana Chamber of Mines warns ASSMA over Obuasi threats

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has condemned a one-week ultimatum issued by the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) in Obuasi to the government and AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited (AGAG), warning that the group’s threat to “advise themselves” poses a danger to public order and the stability of the mining industry.

In a statement issued on 2 December 2025, the Chamber said the ultimatum, accompanied by media commentary from the group, could inflame tensions in Obuasi at a time when stakeholders are working to address concerns through formal channels.

Responding to allegations that military personnel stationed at the Obuasi Mine act under the directives of AGAG, the Chamber clarified that security operations at the mine remain a national mandate.

“State security officials deployed under the National Security Council’s mandate, and not private operatives controlled by mine management. Their presence, the Chamber explained, is to “protect a strategic national asset and enforce the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703),” It stated.

Describing circulating claims as “factually incorrect,” the Chamber said such misinformation misrepresents the role of the State and risks fuelling unnecessary confrontation.

The Chamber also rejected assertions that AngloGold Ashanti has refused to release land to small-scale miners. It said records available confirm that the company has already relinquished “approximately 60% of its original concession area to the Government of Ghana,” a move intended to promote community development and create designated areas for regulated artisanal mining.

It cautioned that ongoing unauthorised entry into the mine’s fenced, active operational zones undermines government efforts to develop a structured community mining sector and threatens public safety.

Highlighting the mine’s contributions to local development, the Chamber pointed to AGAG’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund, which invest heavily in education, health, and infrastructure.

It stressed that sustained investment depends on a secure and peaceful environment, warning that escalating tensions could jeopardise community progress.

Contrary to claims of poor communication, the Chamber said AGAG is engaged in ongoing tripartite discussions with the government and the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), both at the national and Obuasi levels.

These engagements are guided by a Framework of Understanding that forms part of the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP).

The Chamber described the decision by ASSMA to bypass these platforms and issue public threats as “counterproductive to peaceful coexistence.”

The Chamber urged the government to treat the ultimatum as a serious security issue and take “all lawful measures necessary to maintain public order and protect lives and property in Obuasi.”

It also appealed to ASSMA leadership to return to the established mediation mechanisms, insisting that dialogue, not threats, remains the path to lasting solutions.

Additionally, the Chamber called on the media to verify claims relating to land ownership and security operations to avoid inflaming tensions.

Reaffirming its support for AngloGold Ashanti, the Chamber stressed that responsible mining can only thrive “in an environment of law and order.”

Click here to read… 6.5 Press release – Threats against AGAG

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