There is a need for President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action by tasking his security personnel and authorities to address the communal clashes in mining communities to protect life and property. The loss of life resulting from soldiers’ engagement with illegal miners can be described as unprofessional. Officers on duty should use rubber bullets, tear gas, and shockers instead of live bullets on the people.
Security, Intelligence, and Conflict Analyst Anthony Aquaye expressed this view on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor FM 92.3, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
He believes that the military high command must step up and restore the high respect and recognition the military has enjoyed over the years in protecting, defending, and ensuring peace in society.
He called on the president to urgently work on the inquiry and sack any officer found culpable of undermining his government.
In another development, President John Dramani Mahama has directed an immediate investigation into the violent clashes between illegal miners and military personnel stationed at AngloGold Ashanti Mines.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 18, 2025, around 11:00 PM, involved a group of approximately 60 illegal miners breaching the security fence in an attempt to access the mine’s Deep Decline area.
In a statement issued on January 19, the President called for anyone found to have acted unlawfully during the incident to be held accountable. President Mahama expressed profound regret over the tragic loss of eight lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“The Government wishes to express deep regret over the tragic loss of up to eight (8) lives, said to be illegal miners, following a violent clash at a mining site in Obuasi. In response to the unfortunate incident, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice.”
The government has asked the management of AngloGold Ashanti to bear the medical expenses of the injured individuals fully and to facilitate the burial arrangements for those who have lost their lives. The security agencies have also been tasked to take prompt action to restore peace in the area and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Public Relations at the Ghana Armed Forces, the miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, gas cylinders, and other tools, opened fire on the military personnel when confronted. In self-defense, the soldiers returned fire, resulting in the fatalities and leaving one illegal miner seriously injured. The remaining individuals fled the scene.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners following a violent clash with soldiers on duty at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
