At least seven people were killed at a gold mine in southern Ghana, as confirmed by the country's military. The incident occurred at the Obuasi gold mining site in the Ashanti region, where around 60 individuals described as 'illegal miners' breached security fences on Saturday night. Armed with locally manufactured rifles and other weapons, the intruders engaged in a shootout with a military patrol deployed at the site. In the exchange of fire, seven of the illegal miners were killed, and one was wounded.
President John Dramani Mahama has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and expressed deep regret over the loss of life. The government of Ghana has requested AngloGold Ashanti, the company that owns the mine, to cover the medical expenses for the wounded and burial costs of the deceased.
AngloGold Ashanti, a company headquartered in the United States with operations in Ghana and South Africa, confirmed the shootout at the Obuasi mine. The company stated that a large group of armed illegal miners attempted to gain unauthorized access to mine infrastructure, prompting authorities to defend against the attack to ensure the safety of employees and the surrounding area.
Illegal gold mining, locally known as 'galamsey,' has been a persistent issue in Ghana, particularly during the recent presidential election campaign. The practice has raised concerns among voters and led to protests and criticism of the government. Despite efforts by the government to curb illegal mining activities, the problem persists, leading to environmental pollution and other challenges.
Ghana, as Africa's top gold producer and the world's sixth-largest, continues to grapple with the consequences of illegal mining as individuals seek opportunities in a struggling economy. The tragic incident at the Obuasi mine underscores the ongoing challenges associated with illegal mining and the need for concerted efforts to address this issue.
