9 confirmed dead, 4 in critical conditions in clash with military at AngloGold Ashanti Mine

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In the violent altercation between the military and several illegal miners in Obuasi on Saturday, nine people have been officially declared dead.

According to reports, the miners broke through a security fence at one of AngloGold Ashanti’s closed concessions and were met by the military guards.

Four out of the eight individuals who were sent to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are still in serious condition due to injuries they received to their lower and upper limbs.

However, the hospital has released four more people.

Earlier on the Ghana Armed Forces issued a statement that 7 has been confirmed dead and one in critical condition.

Read the statement from Ghana Armed Forces below:

The media was informed of the latest development by Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti regional minister-designate, who visited the Obuasi Government Hospital and the relatives of the injured and deceased to offer their condolences.

As part of investigations to establish an end result and peaceful coexistence between the mining corporation and the locals, Dr. Amoakohene has also been interacting with other parties on behalf of the President.

Dr. Amoakohene gave his word that the President will investigate the events that resulted in fatalities and other serious injuries.

“The security officers are expected to be our friends and to protect us. In a manner where there’s a confrontation between them and the residents, then we need to delve into what really happened for which reason the people who are expected to protect us we are having confrontation whatsoever with them,” he said.

“We don’t want anyone to take the law into their own hands. We are going to pursue the matter to its meaningful conclusion,” he stated.

The minister-designate asked the residents and other miners to maintain their composure while the government diligently attempts to end the apparent conflicts between the locals and mining corporations.

“We want everyone to keep their cool. We don’t want problems where there are already pockets of problems elsewhere. To guarantee that we don’t lose lives as tragically as today, the President has promised comprehensive investigations,” Mr Amoakohene said.

In the meantime, the police and medical staff are trying to get Muslim remains back to their families so they can be buried properly.

Schools in the towns of Obuasi and Obuasi East will not reopen until the gold-mining town is completely safe.

Read the letter from AngloGold Ashanti’s below:

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com

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