Seven Dead in Military-Clashes with Illegal Miners, Obuasi

A violent confrontation at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, Ghana, resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners and injuries to one soldier. The incident occurred when about 60 illegal miners breached the mine's security and attempted to access restricted areas. Armed with locally made rifles and other weapons, the miners fired upon military personnel deployed as part of Operation HALT II, prompting the troops to return fire in self-defense. President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an investigation into the clash and called for AngloGold Ashanti to cover medical and burial expenses for the deceased miners. The Ghana Armed Forces reiterated the legality of using lethal force in self-defense during such operations, highlighting the ongoing challenges with illegal mining in the region. Local authorities have reported that, despite the tragic incident, business activities in the Obuasi community have resumed normally.