Seven illegal Miners Killed in Clash with Military at Obuasi Mining Site

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that seven illegal miners were killed in a violent confrontation with military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in Obuasi on the night of Saturday, 18 January 2025.

In a statement signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, the GAF outlined that the incident occurred around 11:00 PM when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence at Côte d’Or Ramp, attempting to access the Deep Decline section of the mine.

Armed with locally made rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, and other tools, the miners opened fire on a military patrol team operating under the ongoing Operation HALT II. In response, the soldiers returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the deaths of seven miners and leaving one other severely injured. One soldier was also injured by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received medical attention.

Six pump-action BB cartridges were recovered from the scene. The GAF stressed that military personnel on authorized duty are entitled to use necessary force, including lethal measures, to defend themselves, civilians, and property.

The military issued a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to refrain from encroaching on mining concessions or engaging in armed confrontations, as such actions could have deadly consequences.

The clash has raised public concern, with graphic videos circulating on social media showing the aftermath, including bodies at the scene, heavy smoke, and chaos. The military reiterated its call for illegal miners to abide by the law and avoid activities that endanger lives and property.