President orders probe into Obuasi Mine killings
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation into the violent clashes at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Gold Mine that left eight miners dead and others injured.
The President emphasised that any individual found to have acted unlawfully would face justice.
The government has further instructed AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the injured in full and assist with burial arrangements for the deceased.
Furthermore, security agencies have been tasked to restore peace to the area and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, last Sunday.
The government, it said, was committed to bringing the perpetrators of the violence to justice while addressing the concerns raised.
Incident
The confrontation occurred late Saturday night around 11 p.m., when about 60 illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes and other weapons breached the mine’s security at the Cote D’or Ramp, attempting to access the Deep Decline area.
A statement by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie said the illegal miners opened fire on military personnel deployed under Operation HALT II.
The soldiers, acting in self-defence, returned fire, resulting in seven fatalities and one serious injury among the miners.
It further revealed that a soldier sustained injuries but has since been treated.
In the process, the military recovered six pump-action BB cartridges from the site.
Aftermath
The clash sparked heightened tensions in Obuasi, with reports of vehicles being set on fire and private property damaged.
As a safety precaution, AngloGold Ashanti Schools announced a temporary closure.
A notice signed by the Executive Director, Simon Peter K. Attah-Cato, indicated that schools would remain closed on January 20 and 21 to ensure the safety of students, staff and stakeholders. Schools are expected to reopen on January 23, if calm is restored.
Caution
Meanwhile, the GAF has warned illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also refrain from engaging military personnel in confrontations.
The statement stressed that soldiers on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force when necessary.