Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
President John Dramani Mahama has directed an urgent investigation into the violent clash between illegal miners and soldiers at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, which resulted in the tragic loss of eight lives. The directive comes amidst rising concerns over tensions at mining concessions and calls for accountability in the aftermath of the January 18, 2025 incident.
In a statement signed by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government expressed regret over the fatalities, described as illegal miners, and emphasized the need for justice. “The government wishes to express deep regret over the tragic loss of up to eight (8) lives following a violent clash at a mining site in Obuasi. President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice,” the statement read.
The government has also instructed AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of injured individuals and assist with the burial arrangements for the deceased. Meanwhile, security agencies have been tasked with restoring calm in the area and implementing measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has provided a detailed account of the events, citing that the fatal confrontation occurred after approximately 60 illegal miners breached AngloGold Ashanti’s security fence at the Cote D’Or Ramp. According to Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, the illegal miners attempted to access the Deep Decline of the mine. They engaged military personnel deployed under Operation HALT II in a shootout.
The military claimed that the illegal miners were armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, gas cylinders, knives, axes, and heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters. When the soldiers attempted to deter them, the miners allegedly opened fire, prompting a defensive response.
“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to reiterate its caution 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,” the GAF statement noted.
The clash left seven illegal miners dead and one critically injured. A soldier also sustained injuries from pellets fired during the encounter but has since been treated. Six pump-action BB cartridges were recovered at the scene.
The incident has sparked debate over the persistent challenge of illegal mining (popularly known as “galamsey”) and its impact on security and environmental sustainability. Critics have questioned the balance between enforcing the law and protecting human rights, urging the government to adopt holistic strategies to address the root causes of illegal mining.
President Mahama’s swift directive for an investigation highlights the administration’s commitment to accountability and justice. As the committee begins its work, public attention will remain fixed on the outcomes of the probe and measures to address the escalating tensions between miners and security forces.
Both the government and the Ghana Armed Forces have called for calm in the wake of the incident. GAF urged illegal miners to avoid mining concessions and refrain from engaging military personnel in hostile confrontations, warning that such actions could lead to fatal consequences.
As investigations proceed, stakeholders are hopeful that lessons learned from this tragic event will pave the way for a more sustainable and peaceful approach to managing mining activities in Ghana.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
