President John Dramani Mahama has directed an immediate investigation into the violent clash at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in Obuasi that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, reportedly illegal miners.

In a statement issued on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the Presidency expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, describing the loss of life as a matter of great concern.  

“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,” the statement read.  

President Mahama has instructed that the investigation uncover the circumstances leading to the confrontation and ensure that any individuals found culpable face justice.  

“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,” said the statement signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President.  

The government has also tasked AngloGold Ashanti to take responsibility for the medical expenses of the injured and to assist with burial arrangements for those who lost their lives.  

Security measures and background

Security agencies have been directed to restore calm in the area and implement measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. 

The directive comes after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners in a violent clash with military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site on Saturday night, 18 January 2025.  

According to a GAF statement signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, approximately 60 illegal miners armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, and other tools breached the mine’s security fence at Côte d’Or Ramp around 11:00 pm. The miners attempted to access the Deep Decline section of the mine.  

When the military patrol team deployed under Operation HALT II tried to intervene, the miners fired at them. “The soldiers returned fire in self-defence, killing seven miners and leaving one seriously injured,” the GAF statement said.  

One soldier sustained injuries from a pump-action gun but has since been treated. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene. 

The military reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and warned illegal miners against encroaching on mining concessions or engaging in armed confrontations, which, they emphasised, “could have fatal outcomes.”  
 
The incident has sparked public concern, with videos circulating on social media showing chaotic scenes, including heavy smoke and bodies at the site.