President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation into the clashes between the military and alleged illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti mines in Obuasi, located in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Acting Spokesperson to the President, the government expressed profound regret over the tragic loss of lives.
The president underscored the need to ensure that anyone found to have acted unlawfully is held accountable.
Additionally, the government has tasked AngloGold Ashanti, the mining company operating in the area, to cover the medical expenses of those injured and provide support for the burial arrangements of the deceased.
Security agencies have also been ordered to take swift action to restore peace in the area and implement measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The tragic events have highlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding illegal mining activities in Ghana, raising concerns about the safety of individuals involved and the need for enhanced security measures at mining sites across the country.
The incident occurred late on Saturday, January 18, 2025, around 11:00 PM, when a group of approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area of the mine.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Public Relations at the GAF, the miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, gas cylinders, and other tools, opened fire on the military personnel when confronted.
In self-defence, the soldiers returned fire, resulting in the fatalities and leaving one illegal miner seriously injured. The remaining individuals fled the scene.
One soldier sustained injuries after being hit by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received treatment. The soldiers retrieved six pump-action BB cartridges at the site.
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