AngloGold Ashanti Ghana has confirmed a lethal clash between the military officers securing their concessions and illegal miners in the area.
Four vehicles were set ablaze in the Saturday, January 18, 2025 confrontation which also claimed 9 lives.
A Sunday, January 19, 2025, statement issued by AngloGold Ashanti stated that the military officers manning the northern section of the Obuasi concession prevented the a group of armed illegal miners who attempted forcing themselves to the mine’s premises.
AngloGold has assured the public in its statement that calm has been restored in the area with ongoing engagement to ensure such incidents do not reoccur.
“AngloGold Ashanti Ghana confirms that on the evening of 18 January, an incident occurred in the fenced operational area in the northern part of the company’s Obuasi concession. A large group of armed, illegal miners attempted to forcibly gain unauthorized access to mine infrastructure.
“Authorities mobilized to defend against this attack and to ensure the safety and security of employees and those in the immediate surroundings.
“The situation at the mine is currently calm and the Company is working closely with the authorities. Our primary concern is the safety and health of all our employees and those in our community who have been directly impacted by this incident.”
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in a statement, explained that military personnel acted in self-defence when illegal miners opened fire on them.
GAF confirmed that seven illegal miners tragically lost their lives in the incident, with several others, including a member of the public security forces, sustaining injuries.
The government has ordered an investigation into the matter and directed AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the injured.
