By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, Jan. 23, GNA – Mr. Adib Saani, Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, has urged the government to prioritize security in the mining sector.
This would address recurring violent clashes in mining areas and their severe consequences.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday, Mr. Saani said the recurring violence in mining communities pointed to the need for comprehensive reforms in the sector.
“Illegal miners often arm themselves, claiming it is for protection against robbers.
However, this poses significant threats to the safety of mining communities.
“There is also evidence of foreign involvement, with some reports linking illegal mining to terrorist financing in the sub-region,” he said.
Mr. Saani’s call came after a fatal clash on January 18, 2025, between illegal miners and military personnel at the Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals.
Anglogold Ashanti confirmed the incident and stated it was working closely with authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and affected community members.
Around 60 illegal miners, armed with locally made rifles, pump-action guns, and other tools, breached the mine’s security fence, and attempted to access a restricted area at Cote D’or Ramp.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reported that the illegal miners fired on a military patrol team during Operation HALT II, leading to a return of fire from the soldiers in self-defense.
The clash left eight illegal miners dead and one injured.
A soldier sustained minor injuries from a pellet shot and was treated.
The military recovered six pump-action BB cartridges at the scene.
The Government expressed deep regret over the deaths, with President John Dramani Mahama ordering an immediate investigation to clarify the circumstances and ensure accountability for any unlawful actions.
Mr. Saani, also a security analyst, said that the incident reflected underlying issues in the mining sector, including insufficient security measures, illegal mining, and mistrust between mini
He expressed concern about the high number of casualties and the conflicting reports from the military and residents and called for a transparent investigation to address the situation comprehensively.
“The military claims it was an exchange of fire, but residents insist they were running away when they were shot. A thorough investigation will determine whether it was a firefight or a one-sided shooting,” he said.
Mr. Saani questioned whether the military had considered non-lethal alternatives, like firing warning shots or attempting to de-escalate, before using deadly force.
He called for clearer boundary demarcations to reduce land disputes and urged mining companies to fulfill their corporate social responsibility.
Mr. Saani also highlighted a separate clash in Nkwanta, Oti Region, noting it underscored the ongoing issue of land and chieftaincy disputes nationwide.
“The Nkwanta issue is not isolated. It stems from unresolved tensions over land and resources. These disputes often escalate into violence because we have relied on temporary measures to halt fighting rather than addressing the root causes,” he explained.
Around 200 people reportedly fled Nkwanta to Pampawie, Ahamansu, and other areas in the Kadjebi District following renewed violence in Nkwanta, the capital of Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
The clash resulted in seven deaths, with nine houses and shops set on fire. The deployment of Police and Military forces helped restore calm. Kadjebi, sharing a boundary with Nkwanta South, has become a refuge for displaced residents.
Mr. Saani called for increased involvement of the National House of Chiefs in mediating land and chieftaincy disputes, arguing that traditional authorities were better equipped to handle issues related to customary land ownership and leadership conflicts.
“To prevent resistance from local communities, mining companies must do more to address the social and economic challenges faced by the people. Access to clean water, health facilities, and employment opportunities are key areas where they can make a meaningful impact,” he added.
Mr. Saani urged the Government to engage the affected communities, reassure them of its commitment to transparent investigations and implement measures to prevent future conflicts.
“These issues are not just about land or resources—they are tests of the country’s national security framework. While we focus on external threats, we must not overlook the internal challenges, which are arguably more significant,” he advised.
GNA