The Obuasi Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association has given the government, AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine, and the National Chief Imam a one-week ultimatum to engage them on securing an approved site for their mining activities, warning of unspecified action if their demands are not met.
Speaking at a press conference in Obuasi, the association’s secretary, Eugene Annan, said members have been left frustrated and abandoned following a shooting incident in January that claimed the lives of nine miners.
He recalled that the National Chief Imam visited the miners after the tragedy to calm tensions, but since then, neither the government nor AGA has communicated any plans to support those affected.
Annan highlighted that the injured miners are still receiving no assistance while many others remain at home, struggling to feed their families.
“We can no longer remain silent while our wives and children go hungry. We are giving the government, AGA, and the National Chief Imam one week to engage us and show us where we can work, or we will take matters into our own hands,” he warned.
The group’s advisor, Tahiru Seidu, added that President Mahama had promised during his campaign to secure a mining area for them, but soldiers continue to clash with miners.
“You are in power, yet we are being killed. Either the president removes the soldiers from Obuasi, or they should kill all of us,” he said.
One of the victims, 35-year-old Kwaku Baba, who lost his left leg in the January incident, told journalists he has been left to fend for himself despite prior assurances of support. He urged the government to honour its promise to care for the injured miners.
READ ALSO:
