The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has strongly condemned the violent clashes that occurred on Saturday, January 18th, between alleged illegal miners and military personnel in Obuasi.
GNASSM criticized the use of lethal force, stating that alternative measures should have been employed to apprehend the trespassers.
In a statement released on January 19th, GNASSM expressed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the fourteen individuals reportedly in critical condition at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The association urged the youth to remain calm and cooperate with authorities in the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The violent confrontation occurred when a large group of armed illegal miners attempted to forcibly gain unauthorized access to AngloGold Ashanti’s operational area. Four vehicles were set ablaze during the incident.
AngloGold Ashanti, in a statement, confirmed the clash and assured the public that calm has since been restored. The company emphasized its ongoing cooperation with authorities to address the situation.
