Stay off mining sites, stop attacking us; there may be deadly consequences — GAF to illegal miners

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have issued a warning to illegal miners, urging them to avoid mining concessions and refrain from engaging military personnel in armed confrontations.

"GAF wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal," they cautioned.

This caution follows a deadly clash at the AngloGold Ashanti mines in Obuasi on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

According to an official press release from GAF, approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence of the AngloGold Ashanti mines around 11:00 p.m., aiming to access the Deep Decline area via the Cote D’or Ramp.

When military patrols deployed under Operation HALT II attempted to prevent their entry, the intruders opened fire using locally manufactured rifles and pump-action guns.

The soldiers returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the deaths of seven illegal miners and serious injury to another. One soldier sustained injuries from pellet shots but has since received treatment. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene.

Readers may recall that in October 2024, the government intensified efforts against illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey,’ by deploying over 100 military personnel to various water bodies.

This move aimed to address the environmental devastation caused by galamsey, which has severely affected the country’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests.