The Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, has issued a one-week ultimatum to the government, AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine and the National Chief Imam, demanding urgent steps to secure a legally approved mining site for its members.
Speaking to journalists in Obuasi, the Association’s Secretary, Eugene Annan, said the group is appealing to all relevant stakeholders and traditional authorities to address the situation, warning that failure to act will leave them with no choice but to take independent decisions.
“We are pleading with the government and stakeholders in Obuasi and Nananom. We are giving AGA a one-week ultimatum to come out with a comprehensive dialogue on when and where we can get a place to work. Otherwise, we will advise ourselves,” he stated.
The Association further warned that if no response is received within the stipulated period, it will proceed to “advise itself” accordingly.
Providing context, Eugene Annan recalled that the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, had previously visited Obuasi to sympathise with affected families and assured them he would engage AGA to resolve the issue. He noted that AGA had also committed to allocating a concession to a small-scale miners’ association, but no concrete feedback has been received to date.
“The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, came to Obuasi to console the families and promised to speak to AGA to resolve the issue. AGA promised to give a concession to a small-scale miners association to work, but up to now, we have not heard anything from them,” he added.
The ultimatum follows the January 18, 2025, incident in which nine residents reportedly lost their lives after soldiers guarding the AGA concession allegedly opened fire on members of the community.
Source: Joy News
