The government has expressed deep remorse for the terrible loss of up to eight lives, apparently caused by illegal miners, during violent skirmishes at an Obuasi mining site.
The regrettable situation has caused widespread concern, demanding immediate action from President John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement, the President directed an immediate investigation into the facts surrounding the occurrence, promising the public that anyone found to have acted illegally will face prosecution.
“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,” according to part of the statement.
Following the disaster, the government has asked AngloGold Ashanti’s management to fully cover the injured’s medical bills as well as aid with the burial arrangements for those who have died.
President Mahama has directed security services to take prompt action to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has verified that military personnel opened fire in self-defense after a group of unlicensed miners attacked soldiers on patrol at the Anglo Gold Ashanti mine in Obuasi late Saturday night.
According to a news release from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the illegal miners opened fire on the soldiers using locally built rifles, pump-action weapons, gas cylinders, knives, axes, machetes, and heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters. The troops responded by firing back in self-defense.
