The Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association in Obuasi has issued a one-week ultimatum to the government and AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) to provide a legally approved mining site for its members.
The group warned that if concrete steps are not taken within this period, they will be forced to “advise ourselves,” signaling potential unrest.
This demand follows the tragic incident on January 18, 2025, where nine residents were killed after military officers guarding the AGA concession allegedly opened fire on community members.
Expressing deep frustration, the Association’s Secretary, Eugene Annan, stated that despite promises, there has been no progress since the tragedy. He recalled that the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, visited the families and pledged to mediate.
“AGA promised to give a concession to a small-scale miners association to work, but up to now, we have not heard anything from them,” Annan told journalists.
He also alleged ongoing intimidation by security personnel stationed around the mine and criticized the company for the lack of communication regarding a timeline for allocating a concession.
“We are giving AGA a one-week ultimatum to come out with a comprehensive dialogue on when and where we can get a place to work. Otherwise, we will advise ourselves,” he stressed. The miners are pleading with the government and all stakeholders to intervene promptly to resolve the standoff.
