The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have 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, 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.
The GAF emphasised that military personnel on authorised duty are entitled to use lethal force when necessary to protect lives and property.
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, reiterated this in the release, urging illegal miners to refrain from engaging in dangerous activities on mining concessions and to avoid confrontations with security forces.
“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. A soldier who was also hit by pellets from a pump action gun and got injured has been treated. Six pump action BB cartridges were retrieved.
“The Ghana Armed Forces(GAF) 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 wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” parts of the GAF statement read.
The AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi has long been a hotspot for illegal mining activities, posing significant safety risks and operational challenges. The GAF has been conducting Operation HALT II to combat illegal mining and protect the integrity of such concessions.
The GAF has appealed to the public and potential illegal miners to heed warnings and respect mining boundaries to prevent further loss of life.
