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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has strongly condemned the recent invasion of an abandoned concession of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi mine by illegal miners, which resulted in a violent clash with the military. The incident tragically claimed nine lives and left several others injured.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace during a visit by an AGA delegation, Otumfuo described the invasion as “unacceptable,” recalling a similar issue in 2016 when the mining company leased a portion of its abandoned concession to miners. However, disputes over the allocation process have fueled ongoing tensions in the area.
“It is not acceptable. People cannot say that, because we want to eat, we have to take over a mine. That can’t be done. We are not living in a Banana Republic. The law must be obeyed,” he stated firmly.
The Asantehene emphasized the mutual reliance between the Obuasi community and AngloGold Ashanti in promoting both local and national growth. He condemned the disruption of legitimate business operations by illegal miners, noting the importance of maintaining order and respecting the law.
“That is not acceptable for people to take the law into their own hands, to go and disturb legitimate business which AngloGold and Obuasi are intertwined. The community relies on the mining, and the mining company is also dependent on the community,” he added.
Otumfuo revealed that the government has implemented security measures to protect residents and AGA employees while addressing the root causes of illegal mining activities. He expressed optimism about an upcoming stakeholder dialogue with the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry to discuss policies aimed at resolving the issue.
“I know the meeting will come up once the Minister is in place so that we will have a candid and thorough meeting with the President and Minister on the way forward in relation to dealing with the illegal mining,” he said.
