The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have confirmed a deadly encounter between military troops and a group of illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
The incident occurred around 11:00 PM, when about 60 illegal miners breached the security fence at the Cote D’or Ramp in an attempt to access the Deep Decline area of the mines.
According to a press release from the Department of Public Relations at GAF, the military patrol assigned to Operation HALT II attempted to stop the miners from entering the restricted area, but was met with gunfire.
“The illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, industrial bolt cutters, axes, and machetes, fired upon the troops,” stated Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for GAF.
In response, the soldiers returned fire in self-defense.
The ensuing shootout resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners, with one other miner sustaining serious injuries.
The remaining miners fled the scene. One soldier was also injured by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since been treated for his wounds.
Six pump-action BB cartridges were recovered from the site, the GAF reported.
The Ghana Armed Forces reiterated the right of military personnel on authorized duty to defend themselves and others, including the use of lethal force if necessary.
“Military personnel have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, to preserve life,” the release emphasized.
GAF also issued a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to stay away from mining concessions and avoid engaging with troops. “The consequences of such actions could be fatal,” the statement cautioned.
