Ghana Chamber of Mines condemns threats against Anglogold Ashanti, calls for respect for rule of law
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has condemned a threat and a one-week ultimatum issued by artisanal small-scale miners in Obuasi to the government and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana (AGAG), asking the mining company to release a land within its concession for them to mine.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday [Dec 2], the Chamber of Mines warned that such threats undermine peace and stability in the mining sector.
The Chamber clarified that military personnel operating at the Obuasi Mine are state security officers deployed under the National Security Council—not private agents of Anglogold Ashanti—and are mandated to protect the mine as a strategic national asset.
The statement signed by the External Relations and Sustainability Officer of the Chamber, Albert Amekudzi, also refuted claims that Anglogold Ashanti has failed to release land for small-scale mining, stating that the company has already relinquished 60 per cent of its original concession to the government for community and regulated mining purposes.
The Chamber highlighted Anglogold Ashanti’s significant socio-economic contributions through its 10-Year Development Plan and Community Trust Fund, stressing that stability is essential for continued investment.
"The Chamber acknowledges the tragic loss of life following the incident on 18 January 2025 and expresses its sympathies to the bereaved families. However, it is imperative to correct the narrative about security operations in Obuasi," the statement read.
The Chamber also clarified that military personnel stationed at the Obuasi Mine are state security officers deployed under the National Security Council—not private agents of AGAG—and are mandated to protect a strategic national asset.
"The Obuasi mine remains a critical contributor to the local and national economy. Through its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (“SEDP”) and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund, the mine continues to invest significantly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. A stable, secure environment is a prerequisite for these community investments to continue."
It added that AGAG is actively engaged in formal tripartite discussions with government and small-scale mining leadership to support responsible mining initiatives.
Calling for calm, the Chamber urged the government to treat the ultimatum as a security issue, and advised the artisanal miners to use existing dialogue platforms instead of issuing threats, and appealed to the media to verify claims to avoid escalating tensions.
"Ghana's reputation as a safe destination for investment relies on the State's unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and resolve disputes through dialogue, fostering trust among all stakeholders rather than coercion," it added.
"The Chamber calls upon the government to treat the ultimatum as a credible security matter and take all lawful measures
necessary to maintain public order and protect lives and property in Obuasi."
The Chamber finally reaffirmed its support for AGAG and emphasized that responsible mining can only thrive under law and order.
