Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, January 20, he stated that mining activities in the southern area, where operations are actively ongoing, can continue without compromising evidence at the northern site.

“AngloGold Ashanti can commence work without affecting or tampering with the evidence. The issue occurred within the northern side, which is not an active site for mining activities,” he stated.

Dr. Amoakohene further explained that while investigations are still ongoing, the resumption of operations is crucial to ensure economic continuity and stability for the workers and surrounding communities.

He stressed the importance of engaging all relevant stakeholders, noting that community confidence in the process initiated by President John Mahama is essential.

“We want to achieve peace and confidence among all stakeholders involved. After our engagement with them, we realised they were a bit at peace. With constant engagement, we should be able to get the company back to work and schools reopened,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the prolonged closure of the mine and its potential impact, Dr. Amoakohene highlighted the need to strike a balance between maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring the integrity of the investigative process.

“They can’t remain closed for weeks and days while investigations are ongoing. Once we are sure that the communities are at peace and have confidence in the process, work can resume,” he affirmed.

Dr. Amoakohene also revealed that the government is committed to addressing the welfare of personnel affected by the incident, including a military operative who was injured.

“We engaged with the authorities and sent the President’s compliments to the injured military officer. The President is deeply concerned about the welfare of our men in uniform, and adequate provisions have been made to cover medical expenses and ensure their full recovery,” he stated.

He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent process that takes into account the concerns of all parties involved.

“Our goal is to ensure that operations resume smoothly while investigations continue, and we will maintain constant dialogue with all stakeholders to achieve this,” Dr. Amoakohene assured.

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He argued that the military could have employed more modern strategies instead of resorting to retaliation under the guise of “self-defense” tactics.

“The era of brutal force and colonial-style policing in crime prevention must come to an end,” Ahovi said.

“The focus should shift from outdated, forceful approaches to more sensible strategies, such as early warning systems, that align with contemporary methods for stabilizing society,” he added.

Ahovi expressed concern over the repeated clashes between security forces and civilians, which have resulted in loss of life, and stressed that Ghana should not be witnessing such incidents. According to him, more effective, non-violent ways exist to combat crime.

Mr. Ahovi also condemned the military’s response to the Obuasi incident, calling for the forces to take responsibility for their actions and pledge not to repeat such tactics. While he criticized the civilians for taking the law into their own hands, he warned the military against dehumanizing them.

At least nine people were killed during the clash, which occurred when soldiers attempted to prevent a group of local youth from illegally accessing the AngloGold Ashanti mine.

In the military’s statement, they claimed the soldiers had acted in “self-defense,” which led to the deaths and injuries. Following the incident, angry youth in the community set fire to mining company assets, including vehicles, in protest over unfulfilled promises of employment and development.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, January 20, 2025, Frank Amoakohene stated that the affected site is not an active mining area, allowing operations in other sections to continue without disruption.

“AngloGold Ashanti has a northern camp and a southern area where active mining processes take place. The incident occurred within the northern side, which is not an active site for mining activities.

“So as far as the Attorney General is concerned, they can commence work without affecting or tampering with the evidence,” he stated.

Mr. Amoakohene highlighted that the decision to allow work and school activities to resume was made after thorough consultations with the affected communities and other stakeholders.

“Once we are very certain that the stakeholders—especially the communities—are at peace and have confidence in the process initiated by the President, we believe work can resume. Schools can reopen because they can’t remain closed indefinitely while investigations are ongoing,” he noted.

He further expressed optimism that continuous engagement with stakeholders, including AngloGold Ashanti, would facilitate a smooth return to normalcy.

“After our engagement with them, we realized that they were a bit at peace, and with constant dialogue, we should be able to get the company back at work and everyone back to their respective duties, pending the final determination of the matter.”

Addressing concerns about the well-being of security personnel involved in the incident, Mr. Amoakohene disclosed that he personally engaged with one of the injured military operatives and conveyed the President’s well wishes.

“We had access to him and sent the compliments of the President. Our men in uniform, who are on duty for the country, are a major concern to the President. The President has made adequate provisions to cover his medical expenses and ensure his full recovery,” he affirmed.

Mr. Amoakohene reassured the public that the government is committed to an inclusive and transparent process.

“It is our duty to ensure that all parties, including those affected directly and indirectly, feel reassured and confident in the measures being put in place. We are committed to seeing this process through to its logical conclusion,” he added.

The Minister-designate concluded by urging all parties to remain calm and cooperative as investigations continue, stating that normalcy should return to the community while the authorities handle the situation diligently.

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The hospital authorities are finalising autopsy on the bodies before they are released to police for subsequent release to the families for the necessary rites.

Hospital authorities have confirmed a total of nine deaths, with eight injured persons sent to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

There has been a heavy deployment of military officers at all entry and exit points of the mines.

Public and private schools in Obuasi, however, remain closed as authorities of the Ghana Education Service continue to monitor the security situation.

The incident occurred late on Saturday, January 18, 2025, around 11:00 PM, when a group of approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area of the mine.

The miners were reportedly armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, gas cylinders, and other tools, and opened fire on the military personnel when confronted.

In self-defence, the soldiers returned fire, resulting in the fatalities with other illegal miners seriously injured. The remaining individuals fled the scene.

One soldier sustained injuries after being hit by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received treatment. The soldiers retrieved six pump-action BB cartridges at the site.

Source: Citinewsroom.com

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The miners are reported to have breached a security fence at one of the abandoned concessions of AngloGold Ashanti and were confronted by military personnel on guard.

Four of the eight persons who were rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital remain in critical condition after sustaining wounds to their upper and lower limbs.

However, four others have been discharged from the hospital.

Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who visited the Obuasi Government Hospital and the families of the deceased and injured persons to commiserate with them, revealed the latest developments to the media.

Representing the President, Dr. Amoakohene has also been engaging with other stakeholders as part of investigations to find a lasting solution and ensure peaceful coexistence between residents and the mining company.

Dr. Amoakohene assured the public of the President’s commitment to ascertaining the circumstances leading to the loss of lives and severe injuries.

“The security officers are expected to be our friends and to protect us. In a situation where there’s a confrontation between them and the residents, we need to delve into what really happened and why those who are expected to protect us have found themselves in such a confrontation,” he said.

“We don’t want anyone to take the law into their own hands. We are going to pursue the matter to its meaningful conclusion,” he added.

The minister-designate urged community members and miners to remain calm as the government works assiduously to ease tensions between residents and mining companies.

“We want everyone to remain calm. We don’t want other pockets of disturbances elsewhere. The President has assured thorough investigations to ensure we do not experience such painful losses again,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police and medical professionals are working to release the bodies of Muslim victims to their families for a befitting burial.

Schools in both the Obuasi East and Obuasi Municipalities remain shut until calm is fully restored to the gold-mining town.

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According to him, the government cannot simply accept statements from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and AngloGold regarding the incident.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Abura Asebu Kwamankese MP stated that the probe is necessary to gain a clear perspective on the incident and ensure peace and order.

“The government has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the people, and that is why an immediate probe has been ordered.

“We must unravel the underlying cause. We must ascertain whether the group were illegal miners and if they indeed attacked the soldiers. Whether someone fired a shot, leading to the soldiers’ retaliation, or if there was an alternative approach that could have prevented the deaths,” he stated.

Eight people lost their lives on Saturday night after a group of illegal miners reportedly breached the security fence of one of AngloGold Obuasi Mine’s concessions. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Despite reports that the group was armed and opened fire on the soldiers on duty, one of the victims, Baba Abdullai, has vehemently denied the claims.

He stated that they had no reason to carry weapons, adding that they could not, in any way, match the military in an exchange of gunfire.

Baba disclosed that the group, numbering about 300, surrendered to the soldiers’ orders and knelt down with their hands on their heads.

Unfortunately, indiscriminate shots were fired at them after one of the soldiers received a phone call, causing them to run for their lives.

In light of this revelation, Mr. Ofosu has emphasized the need for a thorough probe, stressing that killing is not the appropriate punishment for illegal mining.

“If unlawful acts have been committed, we will ensure that the law takes its course, and justice will prevail,” he reiterated.

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The disturbance follows a violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel after the miners allegedly breached the security fence at one of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine concessions.

The confrontation tragically resulted in the deaths of at least eight miners, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injury.

Despite heavy security deployment in the area, students in the community have been instructed to stay away from school.

On Sunday morning, illegal miners went on a rampage following the killing of their colleagues during a clash with the military. The miners had gathered at an abandoned concession of AngloGold Ashanti when they were confronted by military personnel.

Baba, who narrowly escaped the gunfire, recounted the events leading to the shooting:

“Those of us there were more than 300. When the soldiers arrived, they parked their vehicles, and the commander stepped back to receive a call. During that time, our leaders were on their knees, pleading with them. After the call, he cocked his gun and opened fire on us. The shooting lasted almost 30 minutes,” he said.

At least eight miners have been confirmed dead, and several others sustained injuries to their arms, chests, legs, and other body parts.

“What wrong have we done, AGA? We are living in our own town, but you are denying us food and now you are killing us. Everyone finds a livelihood from the community they live in, and so must we. We didn’t go to where the company is working; we went to an abandoned site,” Baba continued.

The Ghana Armed Forces, in a statement, indicated that they returned fire in self-defense after the illegal miners fired at their troops.

In retaliation, the miners stormed the streets of the town and set four vehicles, belonging to subcontractors of the mine, ablaze. One vehicle crashed into a nearby shop, destroying property.

“We couldn’t salvage anything. It was only yesterday that my sister restocked the shop—over 30,000 cedis worth of items,” said Santewaa, the shop owner.

For residents, despite the security presence, many believe that a continuous military base could help reduce the frequency of such altercations.

“We do not know what has happened in Tutuka. A little movement, and everyone begins to run away,” said Kojo, a local resident.

His neighbor, Aduruwaa, added, “It’s scary living here now. I woke up at dawn, and all of a sudden, I’m confronted with this. You can’t have peace of mind here.”

Both private and public schools in Obuasi and Obuasi East municipalities have temporarily closed due to the escalating tensions. Students and teachers have been advised to stay home for two days until the situation calms down.

George Koomson, Director of Education in the Obuasi Municipality, explained the decision: “We can’t guarantee the safety of both learners and teachers, so we’ve agreed that for tomorrow [Monday] and possibly Tuesday, we will not be going to school. The contact hours will be missed, and recouping the lost hours will be difficult.”

The mining company has implemented measures to safeguard their workers, including advising them to avoid official uniforms and any items that may associate them with the company.

Samuel Aboagye, the 2024 NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Obuasi East constituency, assured the miners that answers would be sought regarding the military’s actions, and those responsible would be held accountable.

“We will get the details into this. As to who ordered the military to open fire, nobody is above the laws of the country, even if you’re in uniform,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has directed AngloGold Ashanti to absorb the medical costs for the injured and to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.

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The unfortunate event occurred on Saturday night, with four vehicles being burnt, further heightening tensions in the area.

According to the chief, while this is not the first such incident, the loss of lives is particularly concerning.

In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nana Berchie disclosed that the victims were small-scale miners who were participating in a demonstration.

Admitting his helplessness, Nana Berchie stated that he could not understand why people would decide to embark on a demonstration at night.

“I heard about the incident on Sunday morning, but I cannot speak freely about the issues for fear of my life,” he said. “I cannot speak freely because my life may be at risk. Something similar happened in the past, and around 11 p.m., people besieged and attacked my house, even though I had no knowledge of the incident.”

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but Nana Berchie has suggested that political factors could be involved.

“In some visuals I have intercepted, people were saying their party is in power and must survive,” he added.

Meanwhile, President John Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

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