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President John Dramani Mahama has called for an immediate investigation into the deadly confrontation between illegal miners and military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi. The clash, which occurred late on Saturday, January 18, 2025, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, reportedly illegal miners, and left one injured.
In a statement released on January 19, President Mahama expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the grieving families. He emphasized the need for accountability, directing that anyone found culpable of unlawful actions during the incident be held responsible.
“The Government deeply regrets the tragic loss of up to eight lives during the violent clash at the Obuasi mining site. An investigation has been ordered to uncover the circumstances of the incident and ensure justice is served,” the President’s statement read.
President Mahama has instructed AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the injured and take full responsibility for the burial arrangements of those who lost their lives. Security agencies have also been tasked to restore peace in the area and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Ghana Armed Forces, in a separate statement, detailed the events leading to the clash. According to the GAF, a group of approximately 60 illegal miners armed with makeshift rifles, pump-action guns, axes, knives, and gas cylinders breached the mine’s security and fired upon the military personnel when confronted.
The soldiers, acting in self-defense, returned fire, resulting in the deaths and leaving one miner critically injured. The remaining miners fled the scene.
