Desist From Engaging Troops In Shoot-outs – GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has discouraged the public against exchanging fire with military personnel.

It noted that such an action will be dire as personnel are mandated to defend themselves in such instances.

“GAF wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” GAF said in a statement.

It added, “The Ghana Armed Forces(GAF) wishes to reiterate its caution to all and sundry that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life.”

This follows the killing of seven alleged armed illegal miners in a shoot-out with the military on January 18, 2025, after the group numbering about 60 attempted to forcibly gain unauthorized access to AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited mine infrastructure.

According to the military, the intruders were wielding locally manufactured rifles, pump action guns, gas cylinders, knives, heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, axes and machetes.

“The troops returned fire in self-defence. The shootout led to the death of seven illegal miners and one seriously injured. The remaining illegal miners bolted away. A soldier who was also hit by pellets from a pump action gun and got injured has been treated.”

It noted that six pump action BB cartridges were retrieved.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini