Obuasi Small-Scale Miners Give AGA, Government One-Week Ultimatum Over Concession
Association warns of self-directed action if authorities fail to allocate mining site within seven days
- Obuasi small-scale miners give government and AGA one-week deadline for concession
- Association cites lack of progress and ongoing intimidation by security personnel
- Ultimatum follows January 2025 shooting incident that killed nine community members
The Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association in Obuasi has given the government, AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine, and the National Chief Imam seven days to take decisive steps in securing a mining concession for its members.
The group warned that failure to act within the deadline would compel them to “advise ourselves” on how to proceed.
The ultimatum comes nearly a year after the tragic January 18, 2025, incident in which nine residents were killed when military personnel guarding the AGA concession allegedly opened fire on community members.
Speaking to journalists in Obuasi, the Association’s Secretary, Eugene Annan, expressed frustration at the lack of progress. He recalled that National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu had visited the bereaved families and promised to engage AGA for a peaceful resolution.
“The National Chief Imam visited to console the families and pledged to speak with AGA. The company promised to allocate a concession to a small-scale miners association, but we have heard nothing since,” Annan said.
He further alleged ongoing intimidation of miners by security personnel around the mine. “Under the current sustainability manager of AGA, Emmanuel Baidoo, military personnel continue to fire shots unnecessarily in our community,” he claimed.
Despite repeated appeals, Annan said AGA has not provided a timeline for allocating a concession. “Our problem is that we have no place to operate, and our chairman confirms there’s been no communication from AGA. We are giving them one week to engage in a meaningful dialogue on when and where we can work. Otherwise, we will advise ourselves,” he stressed.
