AngloGold Ashanti Released 70% of its Land to Obuasi Residents for Mining, says Minister
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei-Bonsu, has revealed that AngloGold Ashanti, a major mining company, released 70% of its land to local residents in Obuasi for mining purposes.
Addressing concerns about illegal mining activities, Hon. Osei-Bonsu emphasized, “The residents claim that the land released by Anglogold Ashanti has no gold, and therefore, they illegally enter the legal concession of AngloGold Ashanti.”
“The fact that you are hungry doesn’t justify stealing food. The fact that you are hungry doesn’t make the act right. It is illegal to enter their legal concession,” he said.
The Minister responded to allegations that AngloGold Ashanti was not employing personnel from Obuasi. He stated that he possesses documents that prove the company has been actively hiring individuals from the local township, dispelling any misconceptions.
He also highlighted the significant contributions made by the company to the community, including the construction of a 1.5km asphalt road and the facilitation of the establishment of a university campus.
Furthermore, Hon. Osei-Bonsu urged illegal miners in Obuasi to obtain the necessary licenses to operate.
Recently, a group of illegal miners reportedly entered AngloGold Ltd.’s Obuasi Mines in Anwiam, Ashanti Region, in search of gold deposits. However, the miners found themselves unable to exit after the entrances were shut.
