Grief has descended upon Obuasi following a violent confrontation between illegal miners and military personnel at the Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Gold Mine on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Nine illegal miners lost their lives in the incident, leaving bereaved families gathering at the Obuasi Government Hospital to claim the bodies.
The incident unfolded around 11:00 PM when approximately 60 illegal miners, armed with a range of weapons including locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, and gas cylinders, breached the mine's security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area. Upon being confronted by military personnel, the miners reportedly opened fire, prompting the soldiers to return fire in self-defense.
The resulting exchange of gunfire tragically claimed the lives of nine miners. Eight others sustained serious injuries and were transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for treatment. One soldier also suffered minor injuries from a pump-action gun pellet but has since received medical attention. Authorities recovered six pump-action BB cartridges from the scene.
The Obuasi Government Hospital is currently completing autopsies on the bodies of the deceased miners before releasing them to the police for handover to their families. A heavy military presence remains at all entry and exit points of the mine. As a precautionary measure, public and private schools in Obuasi remain closed while the Ghana Education Service monitors the evolving security situation.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining activities in Ghana. The use of firearms and the scale of the confrontation underscore the serious risks associated with these operations. Investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances of the event and to hold those responsible accountable. The impact on the community is profound, with families mourning their loved ones and the town grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. The closure of schools underlines the disruption caused by this incident and the ongoing security concerns. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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