Enough Is Enough!’ — Miners Threaten Action as AGA Goes Silent on Concession Promise.
The Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association in Obuasi has issued an ultimatum to the government, AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine, and the National Chief Imam, demanding that they make a serious effort to acquire a certified mining location for its members within a period of one week. In the event that authorities do not take action to address their concerns within the time frame that has been specified, the organization declared that they will have no choice but to “advise ourselves.” The ultimatum was issued in the aftermath of the events that took place on January 18, 2025, when nine locals were murdered by military soldiers who were on duty to protect the AGA concession. The troops are believed to have opened fire on members of the neighborhood. Eugene Annan, who serves as the Association’s secretary, conveyed his dissatisfaction to media in Obuasi on the lack of progress that has been made after the disaster. It came to his mind that the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, had gone to the homes of the families who had lost their loved ones and promised that he would lead the AGA on a peaceful way ahead. “His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who holds the position of National Chief Imam, traveled to the city of Obuasi with the intention of offering consolation to the families and pledging to communicate with AGA in order to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion. According to his statement, “AGA made a promise to the association of small-scale miners that they would grant them a concession to work, but as of this moment, we have not received any word from them.” In addition, Mr. Annan made the claim that the members of their organization were being subject to ongoing harassment at the hands of the security officials who were posted in the vicinity of the mine. He said that “it was during the time period in which Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo held the position of sustainability manager for AngloGold Ashanti that members of the military were permitted to fire gunshots without any justification in our community.” He continued by saying that the AGA has not yet provided any kind of definite schedule for granting a concession to the miners, despite their repeated requests. “Our chairman has stated that there has been a complete lack of communication on the part of AGA, and we have not been provided with a place to work by them,” we explained. As a result, there are no locations in Obuasi where small-scale miners are permitted to operate.We are making a heartfelt appeal to the administration as well as the stakeholders in the towns of Obuasi and Ananom.
