The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners after a violent confrontation with military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in Obuasi on Saturday night, 18 January 2025.
According to a statement signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, the clash occurred around 11:00 pm when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence at Côte d’Or Ramp.
The miners reportedly attempted to access the Deep Decline section of the mine.
Armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, and other tools, the miners fired at a military patrol team on Operation HALT II duties.
The soldiers returned fire in self-defence, killing seven miners and leaving one seriously injured.
One soldier was also injured by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received medical treatment.
Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene.
The GAF emphasised that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to use necessary force, including lethal measures, to protect themselves, civilians, and property.
They warned illegal miners against encroaching on mining concessions or engaging in armed confrontations, stressing that such actions could have fatal outcomes.
The incident has sparked heightened concerns, with videos circulating on social media showing bodies at the scene, heavy smoke, and chaotic moments.
The military called on illegal miners to respect the law and avoid activities that put lives and property at risk.
