The management of AngloGold Ashanti Ghana has reassured the public that calm has returned to Obuasi following the violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel on Saturday.
According to the mining company, they are collaborating with authorities to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
In a statement dated January 19, 2025, AngloGold Ashanti stated that its primary concern is the safety and well-being of all “our employees and those in our community who have been directly impacted by this incident.”
The statement noted that a group of armed illegal miners attempted to forcibly gain unauthorized access to the mine’s infrastructure, leading to a deadly clash that resulted in ten fatalities.
“AngloGold Ashanti Ghana confirms that on the evening of January 18, an incident occurred in the fenced operational area in the northern part of the company’s Obuasi concession. A large group of armed illegal miners attempted to forcibly gain unauthorized access to mine infrastructure. Authorities mobilized to defend against this attack and to ensure the safety and security of employees and those in the immediate surroundings.”
“The situation at the mine is currently calm, and the company is working closely with the authorities. Our primary concern is the safety and health of all our employees and those in our community who have been directly impacted by this incident.”
Meanwhile, a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) indicated that their men acted in self-defense when the illegal miners opened fire on them.
However, the government has ordered for probing into the matter and directed AngloGold Ashanti to incur the medical expenses of the injured individuals.
Read the full statement below
