Eight illegal miners were killed in overnight clashes with soldiers at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in Obuasi, Ghana.
The Ghanaian army reported that around 60 miners, armed with rifles, machetes, and pump-action guns, breached the security fence late Saturday.
A shootout erupted when the intruders opened fire on an army patrol, prompting soldiers to retaliate in self-defense, the army stated.
Seven miners died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries in the hospital. One soldier sustained minor injuries from pellet fire.
The confrontation also saw four AngloGold Ashanti vehicles set ablaze, highlighting escalating tensions in the region.
President John Mahama has ordered an investigation to uncover the causes of the incident and ensure justice is served.
The president also directed AngloGold Ashanti to cover medical expenses for the injured and assist in burying the deceased.
Company security protocols warn staff against venturing into Obuasi wearing uniforms due to safety concerns, a document revealed.
Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, has faced persistent unrest between military forces and mining community youth over economic disparities.
Authorities have deployed security forces to Obuasi to restore calm and prevent further incidents in this historic mining town.
