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President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation into the violent clashes between illegal miners and military personnel stationed at AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi. The incident, which occurred late on Saturday, January 18, 2025, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals believed to be illegal miners and left one person seriously injured.
In a statement released on January 19, the President expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. “The Government wishes to express deep regret over the tragic loss of up to eight (8) lives, said to be illegal miners, following a violent clash at a mining site in Obuasi,” the statement read. He further emphasized the need for accountability, ordering an immediate probe to uncover the circumstances leading to the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces justice.
The government has also directed AngloGold Ashanti to fully cover the medical costs of the injured and facilitate burial arrangements for the deceased. Additionally, security agencies have been instructed to restore peace in the area and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
According to a press release from the Ghana Armed Forces, the confrontation began when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence to access the Deep Decline area. Armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, and gas cylinders, the miners allegedly opened fire on military personnel when confronted. The soldiers reportedly returned fire in self-defence, leading to the fatalities.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that seven illegal miners died during the clash, with one other miner succumbing to injuries later. The remaining miners fled the scene. Security forces are now working to ensure calm in the affected area as investigations continue.