President John Dramani Mahama has directed a swift investigation into the violent clashes between illegal miners and military personnel at AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi.
The confrontation, which took place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, left eight people dead and several injured after illegal miners armed with weapons breached the mine’s security.
In a statement issued on January 19, President Mahama expressed profound regret over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating that anyone found to have acted unlawfully during the incident would face justice.
The government has urged AngloGold Ashanti to cover medical expenses for the injured and assist with burial arrangements for the deceased. Security forces have been tasked with restoring calm and preventing future clashes.
A report from the Ghana Armed Forces revealed that the miners were armed with locally manufactured rifles, knives, axes, and other weapons, opening fire on military personnel during the confrontation.
In self-defence, the soldiers returned fire, resulting in the fatalities and leaving one illegal miner seriously injured. The remaining individuals fled the scene.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners following a violent clash with soldiers on duty at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi.
