President John Dramani Mahama has directed that an inquiry be launched into the fatal shooting that occurred between soldiers and illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti gold mine, which resulted in eight deaths.
The President has emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible face justice.
A statement issued by the president’s spokesperson, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, expressed the government’s deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life, with the victims reportedly being illegal miners involved in a violent clash at the Obuasi mining site.
The statement further revealed that President Mahama has ordered an urgent probe to uncover the details of the incident and ensure that anyone found guilty of unlawful actions is held accountable.
In addition, the government has urged AngloGold Ashanti management to fully cover the medical costs for the injured and make arrangements for the burial of those who died in the confrontation.
Authorities have also directed security forces to take immediate steps to restore calm in the region and implement preventive measures to avoid similar events in the future.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has provided its version of the events surrounding the shooting incident on January 18, 2025, which claimed seven lives.
According to a statement from Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the Director of Public Relations, around 11:00 pm that night, approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security perimeter at the AngloGold Ashanti mine at the Cote D’or Ramp. Their aim was to access the Deep Decline area, which led to a violent confrontation with soldiers.
The illegal miners were reportedly armed with rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, bolt cutters, axes, and machetes. As the soldiers attempted to prevent their entry, the miners opened fire, forcing the military personnel to return fire in self-defence.
The deadly encounter resulted in the deaths of seven miners and left one seriously injured. The surviving miners fled the scene, though one soldier was also injured by pellets from a pump-action gun, but was treated.
The military also retrieved six pump-action BB cartridges from the site.
GAF reiterated that military personnel on official duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including using lethal force if necessary to protect lives.
The statement concluded with a strong warning to illegal miners, urging them to avoid entering mining areas and to refrain from engaging military personnel in violent altercations, as the consequences could be deadly.
