The Ghana Chamber of Mines has raised serious concern over a one week ultimatum issued by the Artisanal Small Scale Miners Association in Obuasi to the Government and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited AGAG, describing the development as a threat to public safety and the stability of the mining industry.
In a statement, the Chamber said the posture of the group, particularly hints of taking actions outside lawful processes, poses risks to the peace of the Obuasi municipality and the broader mining sector. The Chamber has therefore moved to correct what it describes as misinformation fueling the current tensions.
Security Deployment Is a State Mandate
The Chamber reaffirmed that the military personnel stationed at the Obuasi Mine operate under the authority of the National Security Council, not the directives of mine management.
According to the Chamber, suggesting that AGAG privately commands security operations is inaccurate and undermines the role of the State in protecting strategic national assets and enforcing the Minerals and Mining Act.
It extended its sympathies to families affected by the January 18, 2025 incident but stressed that security operations at the mine remain a national mandate aimed at maintaining order and safeguarding lives and property.
AGAG Has Released 60 Percent of Its Concession
Addressing claims that AGAG has refused to release land for small scale miners, the Chamber clarified that the company has relinquished about 60 percent of its original concession to the Government.
This significant land release was undertaken specifically to support regulated community mining and create space for responsible small scale mining operations.
The Chamber noted that repeated unauthorized incursions into the fenced and active operational areas of the mine undermine these efforts and compromise both safety and community development.
Significant Investments in Socio Economic Development
The statement also highlighted AngloGold Ashanti’s continued contribution to the growth of Obuasi through its Ten Year Socio Economic Development Plan and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund.
These initiatives support education, healthcare and infrastructure improvements but rely on a peaceful environment to succeed.
Dialogue Underway Despite Claims of Neglect
Contrary to assertions of poor communication, the Chamber confirmed that AGAG is actively involved in tripartite discussions with Government and the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners.
These engagements are guided by a signed Framework of Understanding that forms the roadmap for implementing the Government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.
The Chamber said bypassing these established structures to issue media ultimatums does not help the process and risks escalating tensions.
Call to Action
The Chamber urged the Government to treat the ultimatum as a credible security concern and take all lawful steps needed to preserve public order in Obuasi.
It also encouraged the leadership of the Artisanal Small Scale Miners Association to channel their grievances through the existing Joint Working Group and the national platform of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners instead of resorting to threats. The Chamber emphasized that constructive dialogue is the only sustainable path to peaceful coexistence.
The media was further urged to verify claims regarding land tenure and security operations to avoid inflaming tensions.
Standing for Responsible Mining
The Chamber reaffirmed its support for AngloGold Ashanti and emphasized that responsible mining thrives only in an environment anchored on law, order and mutual respect among stakeholders.
