President John Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation into the violent clash at the Obuasi mine of AngloGold Ashanti, which claimed eight lives.
In a statement, the government expressed profound regret over the incident, which reportedly involved illegal miners.
The statement, signed by the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, assured that anyone found to have acted unlawfully would face justice.
“In response to the unfortunate incident, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice,” parts of the statement noted.
The statement further directed the management of AngloGold Ashanti to fully cover the medical expenses of the injured and assist with the burial arrangements for those who lost their lives.
The President has also tasked the security agencies with taking decisive action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that its personnel, who were on patrol at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, were attacked.
In a press statement, GAF revealed that the illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, axes, machetes, and heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, opened fire on the soldiers.
The troops, sensing danger, returned fire in self-defense.
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