The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that their personnel returned fire in self-defense after being attacked by a group of illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi during the night of Saturday and into early Sunday morning.
According to reports, the soldiers were on patrol when they were confronted and had to defend themselves by firing back.
This incident follows a previous clash between small-scale miners and military forces at the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine on January 18 and 19, which resulted in multiple deaths among the illegal miners and the burning of two vehicles belonging to the company.
In a press release, GAF stated that the illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, axes, machetes, and heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, initiated the attack by opening fire.
The soldiers responded to this attack, resulting in a shootout that led to the deaths of several illegal miners, while one miner sustained serious injuries. The remaining miners fled the scene.
One soldier was injured by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received treatment and is in stable condition. Six pump-action BB cartridges were recovered from the scene.
The GAF emphasized that its personnel have the authority to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property while on authorized duty. They stated that military personnel have the right to use deadly force if necessary to protect life.
“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to reiterate that military personnel on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force if necessary to preserve life,” the statement read.
GAF also issued a strong warning to illegal miners, urging them to avoid mining concessions and to refrain from engaging in violent confrontations with troops.
“GAF urges all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and to desist from engaging troops in shootouts, as the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” the statement added.
In addition, the Ghanaian government has consistently cautioned against illegal mining, commonly known as “Galamsey,” which has become a growing issue in the country, causing environmental damage and posing security threats.
