Seven Illegally Mining Individuals Die in Ghana Shootout
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Synopsis
A clash in Ghana's Ashanti Region resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners and left one soldier injured. The military engaged after illegal miners attacked their position, leading to a significant escalation in violence in the region. President Mahama has called for an investigation into the incident.
Key Takeaways
- Seven illegal miners killed in a military confrontation.
- One soldier injured during the altercation.
- Incident occurred in Obuasi, Ashanti Region.
- Investigation ordered by President Mahama.
- Efforts to combat illegal mining intensified in Ghana.
Accra, Jan 20 (NationPress) Seven individuals engaged in illegal mining lost their lives and one sustained serious injuries during a confrontation with military personnel in western Ghana, according to a military report.
The altercation occurred in Obuasi, a town situated in the Ashanti Region of this western African nation, on Saturday, when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security perimeter of the AngloGold Ashanti mine and opened fire on the stationed military, as stated in a Sunday military announcement.
As per the report, the illegal miners were armed with locally made firearms, pump-action shotguns, gas cylinders, knives, industrial-grade bolt cutters, axes, and machetes, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"The troops responded with gunfire in self-defense. The violent encounter resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners, while one was severely injured. The remaining miners fled the scene," the statement added.
It was noted that a soldier was also injured by pellets from a pump-action shotgun and has since received medical treatment.
In response, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has instructed an immediate inquiry to uncover the details of the conflict and ensure that those who acted unlawfully are held accountable.
Security forces have been deployed to restore order in Obuasi, recognized as one of the oldest gold mining towns globally, and to implement strategies aimed at preventing similar occurrences.
The Johannesburg-listed company operates the Iduapriem and Obuasi mines in southern Ghana, which produced over 490,000 ounces of gold last year.
In recent years, the Ghanaian government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, including deploying security forces to safeguard mining concessions for their owners.
