Obuasi mine deaths: Ghana Armed Forces explains circumstances leading to clash with miners

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has responded to the clash between its officers and persons believed to be illegal miners at the Anglo Gold Ashanti mines in Obuasi which led to the death of nine persons.

In a statement issued on Sunday, January 19, GAF in explaining the circumstances which led to the deadly clash, said the miners first attacked its officers and fired at them after the officers prevented them from accessing the Deep Decline of the Anglo Gold Ashanti mines.

According to GAF, the miners wielded weapons such as locally manufactured rifles, pump action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy duty industrial bolt cutters, axes and machetes.

“On Saturday 18 January 2025 at about 2300 hours (11:00 pm), illegal miners numbering about 60 breached the Anglo Gold Ashanti mines security fence and intruded at Cote D’or Ramp. The aim of the illegal miners was to enter the Deep Decline of the mines.

“The military patrol deployed on Operation HALT II duties at the mentioned location were fired upon by the illegal miners when the soldiers tried to stop them from accessing the Deep Decline,” GAF said.

The military troops in return fired at the miners leading to a shoot out. Per the statement by GAF, seven of the small-scale miners died while a military officer who was hit by the miners has been treated.

“The troops returned fire in self defence. The shootout led to the death of seven illegal miners and one seriously injured. The remaining illegal miners bolted away. A soldier who was also hit by pellets from a pump action gun and got injured has been treated.

Download PDF

GAF said six pump action BB cartridges were retrieved.

The Ghana Armed Forces(GAF) further cautioned the public that military personnel on authorised duty “have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life.”

“GAF wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” the statement added.

Obuasi mine deaths: President Mahama orders investigation

The post Obuasi mine deaths: Ghana Armed Forces explains circumstances leading to clash with miners first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story