The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners following a violent confrontation with soldiers at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 18, 2025, around 11:00 PM, when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the mine's security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area.
A statement from the GAF’s Department of Public Relations indicated that the miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, gas cylinders, and other tools, opened fire on the soldiers upon being confronted.
In response, the military personnel returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the deaths of seven miners and leaving one seriously injured. The rest of the miners fled the scene. One soldier sustained injuries after being struck by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received medical treatment. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the site.
The GAF emphasized that military personnel on authorized duty are permitted to use lethal force when necessary to protect lives and property. Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, reiterated the military's commitment to ensuring safety and warned illegal miners against engaging in such dangerous activities.
"The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to caution all that troops on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property. Illegal miners are urged to avoid mining concessions and desist from engaging troops in shootouts, as such actions could have fatal consequences," the statement read.
The AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi has long been a target for illegal mining activities, which pose significant safety and operational challenges. The GAF has been conducting Operation HALT II, aimed at curbing illegal mining and safeguarding mining concessions.
The GAF has appealed to the public and potential illegal miners to respect boundaries and heed warnings to prevent further loss of life.