Report of 20 deaths in Anglo-Gold Ashanti mine clashes in Obuasi, false

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Claim: A Facebook user claimed that 20 people died during the violent confrontation between soldiers and illegal miners at the Anglo-Gold Ashanti Mine in Obuasi.

Verdict: False! Official reports indicate that nine illegal miners were confirmed dead as a result of the clash, not 20.

Full Text

A Facebook user recently alleged that 20 people lost their lives during a violent confrontation on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, between soldiers and illegal miners at the AngloGold Ashanti Mine in Obuasi. The claim quickly gained traction, sparking discussions on social media.

According to the Ghana Armed Forces’ press release dated Jan. 19, 2025, approximately 60 illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence late Saturday night. They attempted to access the Deep Decline area of the AngloGold Ashanti Mine. The soldiers on duty engaged the miners after they were fired upon. The confrontation resulted in the instant deaths of seven illegal miners on-site, with two people seriously injured who later succumbed to injuries the following day. According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the two other miners succumbed to injuries confirming nine casualties.

Misinformation about such sensitive incidents can escalate tensions and fuel mistrust among communities, authorities, and stakeholders. Misleading death tolls may also incite panic and hinder ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.

Verification

DUBAWA examined official statements from credible sources, including the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Ashanti Regional Minister Designate, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), and local authorities.

According to the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), the incident resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives, with fourteen others critically injured and currently receiving medical attention at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

In a press release signed by the General Secretary, Godwin Amarh, GNASSM extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“The clashes resulted in the shooting and killing of nine persons at a mining site belonging to Anglo Gold Ashanti, Obuasi.”

Also speaking to the media today, the Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, Dr Frank Amoakohene, confirmed that nine persons lost their lives during the clash.

“So we came here, nine bodies are here, and we’re working to identify all of them so that we can know the identity of the people affected and hopefully and thankfully the community is helping us….”

“We have spoken to the key stakeholders, the police command, the medical director, and we have been able to get a pathologist who would soon be in to make sure that we can work on the bodies and then get the bodies to the families for the appropriate burials.”

This information aligns with the statement released by the GNASSM, which also reported nine fatalities and condemned the violent breach of the mining site.

It is crucial to rely on verified information from official sources to ensure responsible reporting and discourse.

The claim of 20 deaths contradicts these official accounts. No credible evidence or additional reports support the higher death toll suggested. 

Both the Ashanti Regional Minister Designate and GNASSM explicitly stated that the confrontation led to nine deaths.

The president has, however, ordered an investigation into the incident.

Conclusion

The claim that 20 people died during the Obuasi mine clash is inaccurate. Official statements from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners confirm that nine people died in the incident.