President John Dramani Mahama has directed an immediate investigation into the violent clashes between illegal miners and military personnel stationed at AngloGold Ashanti Mines.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) 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.
In a statement issued on 19 January, the President called for anyone found to have acted unlawfully during the incident to be held accountable.
President Mahama expressed profound regret over the tragic loss of eight lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“The Government wishes to express deep regret over the tragic loss of up to eight (8) lives, said to be illegal miners, following a violent clash at a mining site in Obuasi.
“In response to the unfortunate incident, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice.”
