Seven Dead in Clash Between Ghana Armed Forces and Illegal Miners at AngloGold Ashanti Mine

Seven Dead in Clash Between Ghana Armed Forces and Illegal Miners at AngloGold Ashanti Mine

At least seven illegal miners have been confirmed dead following a violent confrontation with Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in Obuasi, Ghana. The clash occurred late Saturday night around 11:00 pm when a group of approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence at the Côte d’Or Ramp of the mine. Read the statement from the Ghana Armed Forces below;

Armed with rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, and other weapons, the miners attempted to access the Deep Decline section of the mine, leading to a firefight with the military personnel stationed at the site. The Ghana Armed Forces reported that they acted in self-defense during the altercation, which also resulted in one soldier being injured.

The incident quickly sparked protests in Obuasi, as enraged locals stormed the company grounds. In the wake of the violence, several vehicles and equipment belonging to AngloGold Ashanti were set on fire, and numerous buses were torched in the unrest.

In response to the incident, Ghana’s President John Mahama has ordered a full investigation. He emphasized that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully during the confrontation would be held accountable and face justice.

This deadly clash highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding illegal mining activities in Ghana, a practice that has been a source of conflict in various mining communities across the country.

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