Military Clarifies AngloGold Ashanti Mine Deaths

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Obuasi: The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the death of seven individuals and the injury of another following an intrusion by illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti mines in Obuasi, located in the Ashanti Region, on Saturday night.

According to Ghana News Agency, approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence of the AngloGold Ashanti mines and entered the Cote D'or Ramp while attempting to access the Deep Decline of the mines. A statement issued by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quarshie, Director of Public Relations at GAF, revealed that the illegal miners fired upon the military patrol deployed in the area as part of Operation HALT II duties.

The GAF reported that the illegal miners were armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, axes, and machetes. The military responded with gunfire in self-defense, resulting in the deaths of seven illegal miners and one sustaining serious injuries. The statement also mentioned that the remaining illegal miners fled the scene. A soldier was injured by pellets from a pump action gun but has since received medical treatment. Six pump action BB cartridges were recovered from the site.

President John Dramani Mahama has called for an immediate investigation into the violent clash at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site. In a statement, the Presidency expressed sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that the loss of life is a significant concern. The Government extended its condolences, acknowledging the tragic loss of up to eight lives, reportedly illegal miners, due to the clash at the mining site in Obuasi.

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