At least seven illegal Miners have been killed following a violent confrontation between local miners and military personnel assigned to provide security for Anglo Gold Obuasi Mines.
The incident also left another miner seriously injured.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in a statement issued on Sunday said the illegal miners who were aiming at entering the Deep Decline of the Mine were wielding locally manufactured rifles, pump action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy duty industrial bolt cutters, axes and machetes.
It noted stated that on Saturday January 18, 2025 at about 11pm, the illegal miners numbering about 60 breached the Anglo Gold Ashanti Mine security fence and intruded at the Cote D’or Ramp.
According to the statement signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the Director-General of Public Relations, the Military Patrol deployed on Operation HALT II duties at the location were fired upon by the illegal miners when the soldiers tried to stop them from accessing then Deep Decline.
“The troops returned fire in self defence. The shoutout led to the death of seven illegal miners and one seriously injured. The remining illegal miners bolted away. A soldier who was also hit by pellets from a pump action gun and got injured has been treated. Six pump action gun BB cartridge were retrieved” the statement added.
Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie reminded the public 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.
The GAF warned illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequence of such actions could be fatal.
Meanwhile, the management of Anglo Gold Ashanti Schools has announced the temporary closure of its institutions following escalating security concerns in Obuasi.
This decision comes in the wake of incidents involving the burning of vehicles and damage to private properties, which have raised alarm in the community.
In a notice dated Sunday, January 19, 2025, Simon Peter K. Attah-Cato, Executive Director of Anglo Gold Ashanti Schools, stated that the schools will remain closed on Monday, January 20, and Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
The measure, according to the statement, is aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.
By Kofi Yirenkyi
