Obuasi Small-Scale Miners issue one-week ultimatum to government over mining concession

The Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association in Obuasi has given the government, AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine, and the National Chief Imam a one-week deadline to take definitive action toward securing an authorised mining concession for its members.

The group cautioned that it will be compelled to “take its own steps” if the stakeholders fail to address their demands within the timeframe.

This ultimatum follows the January 18, 2025 incident in which nine residents lost their lives after soldiers assigned to protect the AGA concession allegedly fired at community members.

Speaking to the media in Obuasi, the Association’s Secretary, Eugene Annan, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress since the tragedy. He recalled that the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, had visited the affected families and pledged to engage AGA to promote a peaceful resolution.

“The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, came to console the families and assured us he would speak to AGA. AGA also promised to allocate a concession to a recognised small-scale miners group, but until now, we have received no update,” he stated.

Mr. Annan further alleged that security forces stationed around the mine continue to intimidate their members.

“Under the current sustainability manager of AngloGold Ashanti, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, we are seeing military personnel firing gunshots unnecessarily within our community,” he claimed.

He added that despite repeated appeals, AGA has not provided any clear information on when a concession will be allocated.

“Our main challenge is that AGA has not provided any operational site for us. Our chairman confirms that no correspondence has been received from them. At the moment, there is no designated area for small-scale miners in Obuasi.

“We are appealing to government and all stakeholders, including traditional leaders. We are giving AGA one week to present a clear roadmap indicating when and where we can operate. If nothing happens, we will be forced to take our own course of action,” he warned.