Tragic Obuasi Clash: Bodies of Fallen Miners Returned to Families
Armed miners engage military forces, leading to fatalities and heightened security in Obuasi
- Nine miners killed during violent clash with military at Obuasi Gold Mine
- Security breach by armed illegal miners triggers deadly exchange of fire
- Increased military presence and school closures as Obuasi authorities manage ongoing tensions
The families of nine local miners killed in a violent confrontation with military personnel at the Anglogold Obuasi Gold Mine have gathered at the Obuasi Government Hospital to receive their loved ones’ remains.
The bodies are currently undergoing autopsies before being handed over to the police for release to the families for final rites.
Hospital officials confirmed nine deaths, with eight more miners injured and transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Military presence has been significantly increased at all entry and exit points of the mine.
Public and private schools in Obuasi remain closed as the Ghana Education Service monitors the evolving security situation.
The deadly encounter occurred late Saturday, January 18, 2025, when about 60 illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area.
Armed with locally made rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, and other tools, they opened fire when confronted by military forces.
The soldiers returned fire in self-defense, leading to fatalities and several injuries among the miners. The remaining attackers fled the scene, while one soldier was injured by pellets but has received treatment.
Military forces recovered six pump-action BB cartridges at the site.
