Several people have been reported dead and several others injured following a violent clash between illegal small-scale miners and military personnel guarding the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine.
It is regrettable that these numbers of people have died and others severely injured through confrontations between the galamseyers and the security guarding the mining sites.
The incident, marked by intense gunfire, destruction of property, and escalating tensions, highlights a volatile start to President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure.
3 killed at Ntotroso
The Obuasi clash comes just two weeks after a similar violent incident at Ntotroso in the Ahafo Region, where three people were killed during an attempted breach of the Newmont mining site.
Together, these incidents underscore a troubling pattern of unrest that have fueled confrontations between miners and security personnel.
The violence at Obuasi and Ntotroso raises urgent questions about the government’s approach to addressing illegal mining.
With lives lost and property destroyed, there is mounting pressure on President Mahama to take decisive action to restore order, fulfill campaign promises responsibly, and avert further clashes.
Clashes sparked by NDC campaign promises
The confrontation reportedly stems from promises allegedly made to small-scale miners by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign.
Miners, emboldened by these assurances, invaded the AngloGold Ashanti concession at midnight, cutting the fence to gain access.
The confrontation began with a gathering of miners at Anwiam, where their leaders assured them that the targeted mine shafts were not under active operation by AngloGold Ashanti.
Security fence breached at night
A statement issued by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quarshie, Director General of Public Affairs for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), revealed that a group of illegal miners breached the security fence of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine around 11:00 pm on Saturday, January 18.
The miners reportedly infiltrated the Cote D’Or Ramp, aiming to access the Deep Decline of the mines.
Illegal miners armed with deadly weapons
According to the GAF statement, the intruders were armed with an assortment of weapons, including locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, industrial bolt cutters, axes, and machetes.
GAF said these actions triggered a response from military personnel stationed at the site as part of Operation HALT II, a nationwide initiative to combat illegal mining activities.
Gunfire exchange
The statement noted that the situation escalated when military patrol personnel attempted to halt the illegal miners’ advance, leading to a bloody exchange of gunfire that left several people dead.
The GAF indicated that the troops acted in self-defense during the confrontation and this resulted in the deaths of illegal miners, with one miner sustaining serious injuries.
Additionally, GAF said a soldier was injured after being struck by pellets from a pump-action gun.
According to GAF, the injured soldier has since received medical treatment, and six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene.
GAF’s defense and warning to illegal miners
The GAF reaffirmed its stance on the use of force, emphasizing that military personnel are authorized to defend themselves, civilians, and property under their protection, including through the use of lethal force if necessary.
The statement also served a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to desist from encroaching on restricted mining areas and engaging in confrontations with security forces, noting that such actions could lead to fatal outcomes.
Gory images
Videos from the scene show lifeless bodies, severely injured individuals, and medical personnel performing desperate life-saving procedures.
Scenes from the clash reveal harrowing images of burned vehicles, vandalized property, and injured individuals being rushed to the Obuasi Government Hospital and AGA Hospital for treatment.
President Mahama’s silence draws criticism
Since assuming office just two weeks ago, President Mahama has yet to issue a strong condemnation of the violence, including electoral disturbances caused by NDC-affiliated groups.
His administration has faced growing criticism for its lack of decisive action to quell unrest.
The failure to address escalating tensions has left communities like Obuasi and Ntotroso vulnerable to clashes that have claimed lives and destroyed property.
Four vehicles, including company buses, were set ablaze during the violence.
Community in turmoil
In the aftermath of the clash, the Obuasi community has been left reeling.
Agitated miners took to the streets, vandalizing property and torching vehicles, further deepening tensions.
AngloGold Ashanti Schools temporarily closed
AngloGold Ashanti issued warnings to its employees to exercise caution, and AngloGold Ashanti Schools have temporarily closed for safety reasons.
A statement from the school’s management confirmed closures on January 20 and 21, with plans to reopen on January 23, should calm be restored.
The people of Obuasi and beyond await leadership to bring peace and stability, even as the scars of the violence linger
- Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Newspaper Headlines - 21 January 2025
- Fitch upgrades outlook for Ghanaian banks amid economic turnaround - 20 January 2025
- Mahama told to declare state of emergency over galamsey - 20 January 2025