GNASSM Condemns Violent Clash Between Obuasi Youth and Military Task Force, Calls for Accountability

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has strongly condemned the violent clashes that occurred on Saturday, January 18, between local youth in Obuasi and the Operation Halt II military task force.

The clash, which took place at a mining site owned by Anglo Gold Ashanti (AGA), resulted in the tragic deaths of nine individuals, with fourteen others critically injured and receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

The incident has sparked widespread concern, and the GNASSM has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured.

“We mourn the tragic loss of life and stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased,” said a statement from the GNASSM. “While we do not condone trespassing on mining concessions, we strongly believe that the military could have explored alternative, non-violent measures to apprehend the individuals involved, rather than engaging in a firefight.”

The Association described the incident as a gross violation of human rights and a contravention of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR), which offer guidelines for ensuring the protection of local communities during mining activities.

GNASSM emphasised the need for a more humane approach to security enforcement, urging the military to adhere to international human rights standards in such operations.

In light of the tragedy, GNASSM has called for calm among the youth and small-scale miners in the Obuasi area, urging them to remain law-abiding as investigations into the incident are carried out.

“We are committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” the statement continued. “Our goal is to find lasting solutions to the ongoing tensions between small-scale miners and mining corporations, particularly Anglo Gold Ashanti.”

The association welcomed the swift action taken by President John Dramani Mahama, who ordered an immediate investigation into the deadly clashes. This move aims to uncover the exact details of the encounter and ensure justice for those affected by the violence.

In addition, the GNASSM commended the government’s directive to Anglo Gold Ashanti, which has been asked to bear the full medical expenses for the injured individuals and assist with burial arrangements for the deceased.

“These actions by the government demonstrate a commitment to accountability and compassion in the wake of such a tragic event,” the GNASSM statement noted.

The clash in Obuasi is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding illegal mining, or “Galamsey,” in Ghana. It highlights the tension between local communities and large mining companies, with many small-scale miners facing difficult working conditions and limited opportunities.

The GNASSM has called for continued dialogue among all stakeholders—government, mining companies, and local communities—to resolve the long-standing issues and find peaceful solutions that benefit all parties involved.