The deadly incident at AngloGold Ashanti Ghana’s Obuasi Mine, where a confrontation between security forces and illegal miners led to the loss of seven lives, poses a significant threat to national security and cohesion, Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, has said.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 18 within the fenced operational area of the mine’s northern concession.
According to a statement from AngloGold Ashanti, a large group of armed illegal miners attempted to forcefully access mine infrastructure. Authorities mobilized to repel the attack, prioritizing the safety of employees and nearby residents.
The company has assured the public that the situation is now under control and that it is cooperating with authorities to address the matter.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) stated in a release that military personnel were compelled to act in self-defence after being fired upon by the miners. In addition to the fatalities, several individuals, including a member of the public security forces, sustained injuries.
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the incident and has called for an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
In a directive, the President tasked the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Interior to collaborate with AngloGold Ashanti and local authorities to deliver a comprehensive report.
“The safety and well-being of all citizens must remain our priority. Those responsible for this tragic loss of life will be held accountable,” President Mahama said, urging calm among residents of Obuasi and reaffirming his commitment to justice.
The incident has reignited discussions on illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” which continues to pose security and environmental challenges across Ghana.
In a statement addressing illegal small-scale mining, Ken Ashigbey noted that despite efforts to curb the practice, the situation has worsened since the December 2024 elections.
“The perpetrators have exploited perceived leadership and governmental silence on the matter, leading to an increase in illegal mining activities. The tragic incidents at Ntrotroso and Obuasi a few days back—whatever the outcome of an official independent investigation called by H.E. President Mahama, which we fully support—are a timely reminder that this problem is an explosive threat to national security and cohesion,” portions of the statement read.
Below is the full statement…
The urgency to address the galamsey menace was significantly heightened following alarming reports in August 2024 from the Ghana Water Company Limited. These reports indicated a severe deterioration in water quality, with turbidity levels reaching 14,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, far exceeding the maximum permissible level specified by the WHO of 5NTU for processing.
In September 2024, a coalition comprising Media Coalition Against Galamsey, labour organisations, civil society groups, business groups, academia, professional bodies, faith-based organisations, youth groups, and others united to form the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey. This Coalition aimed to create a unified platform for constructive advocacy against this critical issue.
Our efforts led to the government suspending the operationalisation of L.I. 2462 and introducing enhanced measures, including deploying 100 military officers to protect selected water bodies and enforcing the arrest of illegal miners. We also secured the signing of a pledge to fight Galamsey by eight of the presidential candidates, including His Excellency President John D. Mahama, at the just-ended national elections.
Despite these efforts, since the December 2024 elections, we have witnessed a further decline in the situation. The perpetrators have exploited perceived leadership and governmental silence on the matter, leading to an increase in illegal mining activities. The tragic incidents at Ntrotroso and Obuasi a few days back, – whatever will be the outcome of an official independent investigation called by HE President Mahama, which we fully support – are a timely reminder that this problem is an explosive threat to national security and cohesion.
While we acknowledge the government’s mention of the need to address galamsey in its first 120-day agenda, we are deeply concerned about the pace of action. We have formally written to His Excellency the President, urging for an immediate CEASE-AND-DESIST ORDER to all illegal miners and regulatory bodies. This decisive measure is crucial to demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating this menace and protecting our environment, especially as comprehensive strategies are being developed.
We will launch additional advocacy initiatives in the coming weeks. We urge all Ghanaians and political leaders to remain steadfast in this fight. The urgency of addressing this issue now is greater than ever.
We are open for discussion to resolve the issue of illegal and irresponsible mining; however, our position remains:
- The President must declare a state of emergency over our water bodies & get the military to clear
everyone found on the water bodies (mining on the water bodies is illegal)
- All planned and active mining concessions overlapping with river buffers should be abrogated, and
all mining activities within 100 meters buffer of all rivers and streams should be halted immediately
by the President. Failure of which the President must implement the full force of Act 995 without
fear or favour of political colour and status in society.
- Almost all water bodies take their sources from the forest reserves, so all entry permits given to mine in protected globally significant biodiversity areas (GSBAs) must also be abrogated.
