The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for calm and adherence to the rule of law in Obuasi following a one-week ultimatum issued by the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) to the Government and AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited (AGAG).
In a statement, the Chamber emphasized that any threats outside legal channels risk undermining peace and stability in the Obuasi municipality and the broader mining sector. It also sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the land tenure and security arrangements at the Obuasi mine.
“The military personnel stationed at the mine are State security officials deployed under the National Security Council’s mandate, not private security agents of AGAG,” the Chamber explained. “Their role is to safeguard a strategic national asset and ensure compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).”
The statement acknowledged the tragic loss of life during an incident on January 18, 2025, offering condolences to the affected families, but rejected claims that mine management was independently directing security operations against local citizens.
The Chamber also addressed allegations that AGAG had refused to release land for small-scale mining, noting that approximately 60% of its original concession had already been voluntarily handed back to the Government. It highlighted the mine’s continued contributions to local development through its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund, supporting education, healthcare, and infrastructure initiatives.
To resolve disputes, the Chamber urged ASSMA to engage through established platforms such as the Joint Working Group and the GNASSM national forum, emphasizing dialogue over threats. It also called on government authorities to treat the ultimatum as a legitimate security concern and take lawful measures to protect lives and property.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing large-scale mining operations with the interests of artisanal and small-scale miners, as Ghana seeks to manage its mineral resources responsibly while fostering local development.
