Seven dead, one injured in attempted breach of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine

By Kizito CUDJOE

Seven people were killed and one seriously injured after about 60 illegal miners attempted to forcibly enter the Deep Decline area of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) said.

The incident occurred after the group breached security fences surrounding the mine last night.

According to a GAF statement, soldiers deployed under Operation HALT II to protect the Mine were fired upon by the illegal miners when they attempted to stop the intrusion.

“The illegal miners were armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, axes, and machetes,” the statement said.

The troops returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the deaths of seven illegal miners and the injury of another, the statement added. The remaining miners fled the scene.

A soldier was also injured in the confrontation after being hit by pellets from a pump-action gun. The soldier has since received treatment, GAF confirmed.

Authorities said six pump-action guns and BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene.

The military cautioned that personnel on authorized duty are entitled to defend themselves, civilians, and property, including using lethal force when necessary to preserve life.

It also urged illegal miners to refrain from entering restricted mining areas and engaging troops, warning that such actions could lead to fatal consequences.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the death toll may be as high as nine, though this has not been officially verified.

Local media reports indicate that AngloGold Ashanti has issued updated security guidelines to its employees and contractors.

Business activities in the Obuasi community have reportedly resumed normal operations, according to a media source.

The AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine is one of Ghana’s most significant gold mining operations and has faced challenges with illegal mining activities in recent years.

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