The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has strongly condemned the violent clashes between the military and illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti Ghana mining site in Obuasi.
The unfortunate incident, which occurred during an operation by the military task force on Saturday, January 18, 2025, to tackle illegal mining, claimed seven lives, leaving another person in critical condition.
However, GNASSM, in a statement issued on Sunday, January 19, 2025, said the clashes led to nine deaths and left fourteen others critically injured.
The injured persons are currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
GNASSM criticised the military’s approach, suggesting that alternative measures could have been used to arrest the illegal miners without resorting to violence.
The association also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
Meanwhile, the association has applauded President John Dramani Mahama for ordering investigations into the incident and appreciated the government’s directive to AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the injured and facilitate burial arrangements for all deceased persons.
Find the full statement below.
