The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners following a violent altercation with military personnel at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi mining site on Saturday night, January 18, 2025.
According to a statement issued by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the clash ensued when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence at Côte d’Or Ramp, attempting to access the Deep Decline section of the mine.
Armed with locally made rifles, pump-action guns, and machetes, the miners reportedly fired at the military patrol team on Operation HALT II duties, prompting soldiers to respond in self-defense.
The confrontation left seven miners dead, one seriously injured, and a soldier wounded by gunfire. GAF retrieved six pump-action cartridges from the scene and reiterated its stance on using necessary force to protect lives and property.
The military warned illegal miners against encroachment and armed confrontations, emphasizing the consequences of such illegal activities.
Videos circulating on social media depicting the aftermath have ignited public concern and calls for increased security measures at mining concessions.
