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The Ghana Chamber of Mines has issued a firm rebuke to the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) in Obuasi, describing as dangerous and unacceptable the group’s one-week ultimatum to the Government of Ghana and AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited (AGAG).
In a strongly worded statement signed by Albert Amekudzi, External Relations and Sustainability Officer, the Chamber warned that attempts by any group to “advise themselves” outside legally established channels pose a direct threat to the peace, security, and economic stability of both the mining industry and the Obuasi municipality.
Amid rising tensions, the Chamber moved swiftly to clarify what it called widespread misinformation surrounding security operations at the Obuasi Mine and the status of land released for small-scale mining.
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Addressing public outrage following the tragic January 18 incident that resulted in the loss of life, the Chamber extended its condolences to affected families but stressed the need for factual clarity.
According to the statement, military personnel stationed at Obuasi are state security officials, deployed not by AGAG but under the authority of the National Security Council. Their mandate: to protect a strategic national asset and enforce the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
“The narrative that mine management is unilaterally directing security operations against citizens is factually incorrect and misrepresents the role of the State,” the Chamber emphasised.
The clarification comes as tensions rise over claims that AGAG is using security forces to intimidate or drive out small-scale miners, claims the Chamber insists are misleading and inflammatory.
Central to the ASSMA ultimatum is the accusation that AGAG has refused to release land to local miners.
But the Chamber says the facts tell a different story.
It revealed that AGAG has voluntarily relinquished roughly 60% of its original concession to the Government of Ghana, specifically to create space for regulated community mining and local economic activity.
This, the Chamber noted, is a historic concession no other major mining company in Ghana has made at such a scale.
Yet unauthorised incursions into AGAG’s remaining fenced operational zones continue to pose serious risks, not only to the mine’s operations but to the very miners entering these high-risk zones.
The Chamber further argued that the Obuasi Mine’s long-standing contributions to the community risk being derailed by increasing hostilities.
Through its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund, AGAG continues to channel millions of cedis into education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood support.
However, the Chamber stressed that such investments require a stable and peaceful operational environment.
In response to claims of poor engagement between the mine and small-scale miners, the Chamber highlighted ongoing tripartite discussions involving AGAG, the government, and the national and Obuasi leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM).
These engagements are guided by a Framework of Understanding which forms the backbone of the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP).
“Bypassing these structures to issue ultimatums through the media is counterproductive to peaceful coexistence,” the statement added.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has urged the government to treat the ultimatum as a national security concern, calling for lawful measures to protect lives, property, and the integrity of the Obuasi Mine.
It also encouraged ASSMA leadership to return to the formal Joint Working Group platform and abandon threats that inflame tensions.
The media was advised to verify circulating claims on land ownership and security mandates to prevent misreporting that can escalate conflict.
Reaffirming its solidarity with AngloGold Ashanti, the Chamber underscored that Ghana’s reputation as a safe and predictable investment destination depends on adherence to due process and constructive dialogue.
“Responsible mining can only thrive in an environment of law and order,” the Chamber concluded.
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