Ghana Mining Tragedy: Soldiers Open Fire, Killing at Least Seven Miners

Er Mukesh Singh

At least seven people have been killed in a tragic incident at a mine in Ghana’s central Ashanti region. According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the clash occurred when a group of approximately 60 illegal miners attempted to enter a mine operated by global mining company AngloGold Ashanti. The miners, armed with various weapons including “pump action guns,” reportedly opened fire on the soldiers when they were intercepted.

In response, the soldiers retaliated in self-defense, which resulted in the deaths and injuries. While the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the miners were armed and posed a threat, a representative for the miners has denied these allegations, claiming the group was unarmed during the confrontation.

The news of the deaths sparked protests in Obuasi, the nearby town, where enraged residents took to the streets. Several buses were set on fire, and the protests escalated when angry crowds stormed AngloGold Ashanti’s premises, burning at least three vehicles and other company equipment.

In response to the incident, Ghana’s President John Mahama has ordered an investigation into the killings. He emphasized that anyone found guilty of unlawful actions will be brought to justice. Following the clash, the presidency issued a statement indicating that the death toll may have risen to eight, with ongoing efforts to ascertain the full extent of the casualties.

The violence highlights the ongoing tensions between the local communities and the large mining companies operating in the region, with illegal mining often leading to violent confrontations and disputes over resources.

The Ghanaian government has ordered AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses for those injured in the violent clash and also to pay for the burial costs of those who lost their lives. Additionally, the government has directed security agencies to ensure peace and maintain order in the area, following the eruption of violence. The company has confirmed that the situation has calmed down and that it is cooperating with the authorities. Its primary concern, the company stated, remains the safety and well-being of its employees and the surrounding community.

Kofi Adams, the local chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, described the violence as “unprecedented.” Adams, who has been quoted by Reuters, reported that nine people had died and 14 were severely injured, expressing difficulty in understanding why the incident occurred. He also disputed the military’s claim that the miners were armed, stating that in previous instances, warning shots were used to deter intruders.

The Ghana Armed Forces maintained that the miners were armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump action guns, and other weapons. They defended their use of lethal force, citing their duty to protect themselves, innocent civilians, and property.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between AngloGold Ashanti and the local population. Many residents accuse the company of exploiting the region’s mineral resources without contributing significantly to local development or creating sufficient job opportunities. Small-scale mining associations have voiced demands for some of the company’s mining concessions to be handed over to local communities.

AngloGold Ashanti, on the other hand, has reiterated that it has been actively contributing to local development and providing assistance to the community. Following the violence, some schools built and managed by the company in the area announced a two-day closure.

This incident also occurs amid the broader context of Ghana’s severe economic challenges, including high public debt, inflation, and unemployment. The country’s ongoing economic crisis has contributed to a rise in small-scale mining, including illegal mining operations that have caused significant environmental damage.

In the face of these issues, tensions between mining companies, local communities, and security forces continue to escalate, reflecting deeper social and economic divides in the country.

Courtesy: KWAKU MANU TV

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