The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged all illegal miners to desist from mining concessions and stay away from engaging troops in shootouts since the outcome of such actions could be fatal.
Seven people are reportedly killed in a violent exchange of gunshots between military guards and small-scale miners at the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine on Saturday, January 18, in the Ashanti Regional town. Vehicles were also set on fire during the altercation.
However, President John Mahama in a statement issued on Sunday, January 19, 2025, ordered an immediate investigation into the violent clash.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in a press statement dated Sunday, January 19, 2025, disclosed that the illegal miners were fully armed and fought with the troops.
“The illegal miners were wielding locally manufactured rifles, pump action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, axes and machetes.”
During the struggles, a soldier, who was struck by pellets from a pump-action gun, sustained injuries but has since received treatment and is in stable condition. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene.
In self-defense, ‘the troops returned fire which led to the death of seven persons and some seriously injured’.
GAF reiterated that their personnel are authorized to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property while on authorized duty and issued a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to stay away from mining concessions and to refrain from engaging in violent confrontations with troops.
“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) wishes to reiterate its caution to all and sundry that military personnel on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life,” they stated.
“GAF wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” they added.
