The six victims of the violent clash between suspected illegal miners and military personnel at Obuasi have been laid to rest. The victims, members of the local community, were killed during the confrontation at an abandoned concession previously owned by AngloGold Ashanti.
According to Islamic rites, the bodies of six of the eight deceased were released to their families for burial, while the bodies of the remaining two victims are still at the morgue for autopsy and further investigation. The emotional burial ceremony took place at the Obuasi Government Hospital, where the Obuasi Chief Imam led the Islamic prayers.
Incident Details
The deadly clash occurred when the miners reportedly breached a security fence at one of AngloGold Ashanti’s abandoned concessions. Military personnel on duty confronted the miners, and it remains unclear what led to the shooting that resulted in the deaths of nine people. The incident has caused unrest in the community, with authorities bolstering security in the area.
The community has condemned the violence and called for a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident, urging accountability and steps to prevent future tragedies.
Ghana Armed Forces’ Statement
In response, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) issued a statement explaining that its personnel acted in self-defense. According to the GAF, the soldiers were attacked by the miners, who were armed with a range of weapons including locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, and industrial tools. The soldiers returned fire in self-defense, as they felt threatened.
Investigation and Government Response
Following the tragic incident, President John Dramani Mahama ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the clash. A government statement expressed deep regret over the loss of lives, offering assurances that anyone found to have acted unlawfully would face justice. Additionally, the statement directed AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the injured and assist with burial arrangements for the victims.
The President also tasked security agencies with implementing measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.
