AngloGold Shooting: Our Primary Concern is Those Directly Affected- AGA
AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited says its thoughts are with those who were directly affected by the shooting incident that occurred when some illegal miners breached its mines’ security fence.
Seven alleged armed illegal miners were killed after some military officers opened fire on them in a shootout on January 18, 2025, after the group numbering about 60 attempted to forcibly gain unauthorized access to mine infrastructure.
“Authorities mobilized to defend against this attack and to ensure the safety and security of employees and those in the immediate surrounds,” AGA said in a statement.
Confirming calm had been restored at the mine, it noted that it was liaising with security officials.
It added, “Our primary concern is the safety and health of all our employees and those in our community who have been directly impacted by this incident.”
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces explained that the illegal miners intruded at Cote D’or Ramp with the aim of entering the Deep Decline of the mines.
“The military patrol deployed on Operation HALT Il duties at the mentioned location were fired upon by the illegal miners when the soldiers tried to stop them from accessing the Deep Decline.”
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
