Ghana army kills Seven illegal miners

At least seven people were killed during a violent confrontation with soldiers at a mine in Ghana’s Ashanti region, according to the military.

The Ghana Armed Forces reported that around 60 illegal miners breached the AngloGold Ashanti mine and fired at soldiers when confronted.

The soldiers responded in self-defense, resulting in the fatalities and several injuries, the military said in a statement.

However, a representative of the miners denied that they were armed.

News of the deaths sparked protests in the nearby town of Obuasi. Furious residents stormed AngloGold Ashanti’s premises, setting three vehicles and other company equipment on fire.

Several buses were also torched during the unrest.

President John Mahama has called for an investigation into the incident, pledging that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing will face justice.

A statement from the presidency later confirmed that eight people had died.

The government has directed AngloGold Ashanti to cover medical bills for the injured and funeral expenses for the deceased.

Security agencies have been tasked with restoring calm in the area.

AngloGold Ashanti stated that the situation had stabilized and that the company was cooperating with authorities.

Its priority, it said, was the safety and well-being of employees and local residents affected by the violence.

Kofi Adams, the local chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, described the incident as “unprecedented.” He claimed nine people had died and 14 were seriously injured, questioning why the situation escalated to such an extent.

In the past, he noted, warning shots were used to deter intruders.

He also challenged the military’s claim that the miners were armed.

The army alleged that the illegal miners carried locally made rifles, pump-action guns, and other weapons, justifying its use of lethal force to protect lives and property.

The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions between AngloGold Ashanti and local communities, who accuse the company of exploiting resources without contributing significantly to local development or job creation.

Small-scale mining associations have long called for access to some of the company’s concessions, a demand that remains unmet.

In the wake of the violence, some schools built by AngloGold Ashanti in the area announced a temporary two-day closure.

This clash comes amid broader economic challenges in Ghana, which is facing its worst economic crisis in decades.

High inflation, unemployment, and public debt have contributed to a rise in small-scale mining, including unregulated operations that have caused severe environmental damage.

BBC/Patience Ameh