Tension is rising in Obuasi following a violent clash that occurred late Saturday night, January 18, and into the early hours of Sunday. Reports indicate that multiple individuals were shot dead, and several vehicles and properties were set ablaze during the confrontation between military personnel protecting the AngloGold Mines and illegal miners, commonly referred to as Galamseyers.
It was reported that the Galamseyers attempted to work in an abandoned underground shaft belonging to AngloGold Mining Company. This intrusion led to a misunderstanding that escalated into a shootout between the company’s security personnel and the illegal miners.
A significant number of Galamseyers were shot and injured, and by Sunday, January 19, it was confirmed that 15 individuals had died as a result of the violence.
In response to the conflict, angered Galamseyers invaded the AngloGold premises and set two company buses on fire, which were intended to transport workers back to their destinations that morning.
The Obuasi police command has established barricades around the incident site and has blocked access to the area. An investigation into the incident has been initiated by the police department.
