Two persons are battling for their lives after an alleged scuffle between some illegal miners and security personnel watching over a concession of Anglogold Ashanti (AGA) in the Obuasi East district.
According to Nana Anima Awere II, a leader of the Obuasi Small Scale Miners, who is also the Dunkwa Nfuom Adontenhene, the clash ensued after a request for the release of some illegal miners who got trapped sneaking into AGA’s mining site.
Reports indicate that the miners were said to have been trapped after sneaking into an underground pit through an entry called ‘Cut door’ or ‘Ramp’.
It is reported that at least 20 illegal miners were trapped in the pit for five days.
The leadership of the Obuasi small-scale miners allegedly attempted to intervene through a dialogue with Anglogold for the release of those that were trapped.
However, Nana Anima Awere says a violent confrontation ensued when some ‘galamseyers’ who were not part of the entourage arrived and shot at one of the AGA’s water tankers.
Three of the illegal miners were shot in the process.
Two of them were shot in the abdomen and are currently in critical condition at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital(KATH).
The other sustained gunshot wounds in the leg.
Meanwhile, the Kyeamehene of Ahansonyewodea, Nana Kofi Badu, has called for calm.
He says the traditional authority is working to ensure the restoration of law and order.
However, Anglogold Ashanti and the police are yet to comment on the situation.