Obuasi Shootings: Military Confirms Death of Seven Illegal Miners

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Obuasi: The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says seven illegal miners have died after a shootout with military men on duty at the Obuasi AngloGold Ashanti mining site on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at about 2300 hours. According to Ghana News Agency, the incident occurred when approximately 60 miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, axes, and other tools, breached the mine's security fence and intruded at a Cote D'or Ramp in an attempt to enter its Deep Decline. This information was contained in a press release from the GAF, signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General Public Relations. The statement indicated that the illegal miners fired at the military patrol team on Operation HALT II duties when they were stopped from accessing the area. In response, the military returned fire in self-defence, resulting in the deaths of the seven illegal miners and one 'seriously' injured. Additionally, the statement mentioned that a soldier sustained an injury from a pel let hit by a pump action gun and had received treatment. The troops managed to retrieve six pump action BB cartridges from the scene. The statement also emphasized that military personnel on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, lives, and property, including the use of lethal force if necessary. It further urged all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and avoid engaging troops in shootouts, as the consequences could be fatal.

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