"Seven die, one in critical condition in clash between soldiers and illegal miners at AngloGold Ashanti Mines" – GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners following a violent clash with soldiers on duty at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi.

The incident occurred late on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, when a group of around 60 illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area.

In a statement issued by the Department of Public Relations, the GAF explained that 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.

“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,” the statement said.

The GAF revealed that a soldier sustained injuries after being hit by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since been treated. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene.

The Director General of Public Relations, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, reiterated that military personnel on authorised duty are empowered to use lethal force when necessary to protect lives and property.

“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to reiterate its caution to all and sundry 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 urges all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” the statement added.

The AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi, a longstanding target for illegal miners, has faced numerous operational challenges and safety concerns due to these incursions.

The GAF, under Operation HALT II, has been working to combat illegal mining and safeguard mining concessions.

The GAF appealed to the public, particularly illegal miners, to respect mining boundaries and heed warnings to prevent further loss of life.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith