Students in both public and private schools in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, will miss classroom hours for the next two days amid tensions in the gold mining town.
The disturbance follows a violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel after the miners allegedly breached the security fence at one of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine concessions.
The confrontation tragically resulted in the deaths of at least eight miners, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injury.
Despite heavy security deployment in the area, students in the community have been instructed to stay away from school.
On Sunday morning, illegal miners went on a rampage following the killing of their colleagues during a clash with the military. The miners had gathered at an abandoned concession of AngloGold Ashanti when they were confronted by military personnel.
Baba, who narrowly escaped the gunfire, recounted the events leading to the shooting:
“Those of us there were more than 300. When the soldiers arrived, they parked their vehicles, and the commander stepped back to receive a call. During that time, our leaders were on their knees, pleading with them. After the call, he cocked his gun and opened fire on us. The shooting lasted almost 30 minutes,” he said.
At least eight miners have been confirmed dead, and several others sustained injuries to their arms, chests, legs, and other body parts.
“What wrong have we done, AGA? We are living in our own town, but you are denying us food and now you are killing us. Everyone finds a livelihood from the community they live in, and so must we. We didn’t go to where the company is working; we went to an abandoned site,” Baba continued.
The Ghana Armed Forces, in a statement, indicated that they returned fire in self-defense after the illegal miners fired at their troops.
In retaliation, the miners stormed the streets of the town and set four vehicles, belonging to subcontractors of the mine, ablaze. One vehicle crashed into a nearby shop, destroying property.
“We couldn’t salvage anything. It was only yesterday that my sister restocked the shop—over 30,000 cedis worth of items,” said Santewaa, the shop owner.
For residents, despite the security presence, many believe that a continuous military base could help reduce the frequency of such altercations.
“We do not know what has happened in Tutuka. A little movement, and everyone begins to run away,” said Kojo, a local resident.
His neighbor, Aduruwaa, added, “It’s scary living here now. I woke up at dawn, and all of a sudden, I’m confronted with this. You can’t have peace of mind here.”
Both private and public schools in Obuasi and Obuasi East municipalities have temporarily closed due to the escalating tensions. Students and teachers have been advised to stay home for two days until the situation calms down.
George Koomson, Director of Education in the Obuasi Municipality, explained the decision: “We can’t guarantee the safety of both learners and teachers, so we’ve agreed that for tomorrow [Monday] and possibly Tuesday, we will not be going to school. The contact hours will be missed, and recouping the lost hours will be difficult.”
The mining company has implemented measures to safeguard their workers, including advising them to avoid official uniforms and any items that may associate them with the company.
Samuel Aboagye, the 2024 NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Obuasi East constituency, assured the miners that answers would be sought regarding the military’s actions, and those responsible would be held accountable.
“We will get the details into this. As to who ordered the military to open fire, nobody is above the laws of the country, even if you’re in uniform,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has directed AngloGold Ashanti to absorb the medical costs for the injured and to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
