The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners following a violent confrontation with soldiers on duty at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi.
The incident occurred late on Saturday (18 January), at approximately 11:00 PM, when around 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 GAF’s Department of Public Relations, 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 seven fatalities among the illegal miners and leaving one person seriously injured. The remaining group fled the scene.
A soldier sustained injuries after being struck by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since been treated. The military also retrieved six pump-action BB cartridges from the site.
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations at GAF, addressed the incident, stressing the military’s right to use lethal force in protecting lives and property when necessary.
“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 statement read.
He further cautioned illegal miners against such dangerous activities and warned of the potential consequences of confrontations with security forces.
“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,” Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie emphasized.
The AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi has long been a hotspot for illegal mining activities, which pose significant safety risks and operational challenges. As part of Operation HALT II, the GAF continues to combat illegal mining and protect mining concessions across the country.
The GAF has urged the public, particularly illegal miners, to respect mining boundaries and heed warnings to prevent further loss of life.
