The Ghana Chamber of Mines has expressed deep concern over a one-week ultimatum issued by the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) in Obuasi to the government and AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited (AGAG), describing the threats as a risk to peace and stability in the mining sector.
In a statement issued, the Chamber clarified that security operations at the Obuasi mine are carried out by State security officials under the mandate of the National Security Council, not private agents directed by AGAG management.
“The narrative that mine management is unilaterally directing security operations against citizens is factually incorrect and misrepresents the role of the State in protecting national investments,” the Chamber said.
The Chamber also refuted claims that AGAG has refused to release land for small-scale mining, noting that the company has voluntarily relinquished about 60% of its original concession to the government to support community development and regulated small-scale mining.
“Continued unauthorised incursions into the remaining fenced, active operational areas undermine the orderly development of the community mining sector,” the statement added.
Highlighting the socio-economic contributions of the mine, the Chamber noted that AGAG continues to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure through its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund.
A stable, secure environment, the Chamber stressed, is essential for sustaining these community investments.
The Chamber urged ASSMA to engage constructively through established platforms, including the Joint Working Group and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), rather than issuing ultimatums via the media.
It also called on government authorities to treat the threats as a credible security matter and take lawful measures to protect lives and property.
“Responsible mining can only thrive in an environment of law and order,” the Chamber concluded, appealing to all stakeholders—including the media—to verify claims before public dissemination to prevent inflaming tensions.