Ghana Chamber of Mines condemns threats against Anglogold Ashanti, calls for respect for Rule of Law 

Ghana Chamber of Mines has condemned threats against Anglogold Ashanti and called for respect for the Rule of Law and security of national assets. 

It said it has noted with deep concern a press statement and subsequent media reports about a one-week ultimatum issued by the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) in Obuasi to the Government and AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited (“AGAG”). 

A statement issued by the Chamber, said: “The Chamber views any threat to “advise themselves” outside of established legal frameworks as a threat to the peace and stability of the mining industry and the Obuasi municipality.” 

“We wish to correct misinformation regarding the security status and land tenure at the Obuasi Mine to de-escalate tensions,” the Statement added.? 

It said security operations were a national security mandate and it was imperative to correct the narrative about security operations in Obuasi, adding that the military personnel deployed to the Obuasi mine were not private security agents acting on the operational orders of AGAG management. 

“They are State security officials deployed under National Security Council’s mandate. Their objective is to protect a strategic national asset and enforce the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703),” the Statement said.? 

It said though the Chamber acknowledged the tragic loss of life following the incident on January 18, 2025 and expressed its sympathies to the bereaved families, the narrative that mine management was unilaterally directing security operations against citizens was factually incorrect.? 

The Statement said the allegation that AGAG had refused to release land for small-scale mining was not supported by the facts and the records available to the Chamber confirmed that AGAG had voluntarily relinquished approximately 60% of its original concession area to the Government of Ghana.? 

“The Obuasi mine remains a critical contributor to the local and national economy. Through its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (“SEDP”) and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund, the mine continues to invest significantly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” it said.? 

The Statement said discussions on the development were being guided by a signed Framework of Understanding, which had served as the Obuasi roadmap towards the Government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP) 

It called on the government to treat the ultimatum given as a credible security matter and take all lawful measures necessary to maintain public order and protect lives and property in Obuasi. 

It also called on the leadership of ASSMA to utilise the standing Joint Working Group and the GNASSM national platform for constructive dialogue to foster peaceful resolution and align with the Chamber’s goal of promoting dialogue rather than resorting to threats. 

The Ghana Chamber of Mines is the main mining industry association in Ghana. The Chamber represents the collective interests of companies involved in Ghana’s mineral exploration, production and processing. 

Source: GNA? 

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