President Mahama Orders Probe into Deadly Clash Between Soldiers and Miners in Obuasi

President John Mahama has called for an immediate investigation into a violent clash between soldiers and illegal miners that left at least seven people dead in Obuasi, Ghana.

The incident, which occurred on the evening of Saturday, January 18, 2024, involved miners attempting to breach the security of AngloGold Ashanti Mines, prompting a deadly confrontation with military personnel tasked with protecting the mine.

In his statement, President Mahama expressed deep regret over the loss of life and emphasized that anyone found to have acted unlawfully during the conflict would be held accountable.

“The tragic events that took place in Obuasi will be thoroughly investigated to determine the circumstances surrounding the clash.

We will ensure that all individuals responsible for unlawful actions are brought to justice,” Mahama said.

The clash unfolded when about 60 illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles and other weapons, reportedly breached the mine’s security perimeter around 11:00 pm.

The miners opened fire on a military patrol, resulting in a violent shootout. The army maintains that it acted in self-defense.

Following the violence, some individuals vandalized AngloGold Ashanti’s property and set fire to buses.

Authorities confirmed varying reports of the number of casualties, with figures ranging from seven to nine deaths. In addition, 14 people were severely injured in the altercation.

The government has directed the management of AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the wounded and arrange proper burial for the deceased.

The security forces have been tasked with restoring peace to the area and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The Obuasi violence has reignited concerns over security in the mining communities, with political analysts like Reindolph Afrifa-Oware linking it to broader post-election tensions.

He criticized the police for being ineffective in managing security issues, a concern that many fear could escalate in the future.

Despite the violence, AngloGold Ashanti has assured that calm has returned to the site and that the company is working closely with authorities to address the situation and prevent further conflict.

Local schools in the area were closed on January 20 as a precautionary measure.