The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has released an official statement regarding a violent confrontation between its personnel and illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti mines in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
According to the press release, issued by the Department of Public Relations on January 19, 2025, the incident occurred around 11:00 PM when a group of approximately 60 illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence and entered the Cote D’or ramp. The group reportedly sought access to the deep declines of the mine.
The statement detailed that troops deployed under Operation HALT II duties were fired upon by the illegal miners when they attempted to stop them. The miners were armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy-duty bolt cutters, axes, and machetes.
The soldiers returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the deaths of seven illegal miners, while one other was seriously injured. A soldier sustained injuries from pellets fired by a pump-action gun and has since received treatment. The military also recovered six pump-action BB cartridges from the scene.
The GAF used the press release to caution the public that military personnel have the right to defend themselves, civilians, and property when under attack, including the use of lethal force when necessary.
“GAF wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” the statement warned.
The release emphasized the ongoing commitment of the Ghana Armed Forces to protect national resources and ensure law and order around mining concessions.
This statement highlights the increasing challenges faced by security forces in combating illegal mining, a practice that continues to threaten Ghana’s resources and national security.
