The bodies of nine local miners who were killed in a deadly confrontation with military personnel at the AngloGold Obuasi Gold Mine have been released to their families. The victims’ families gathered at the Obuasi Government Hospital, where hospital officials confirmed the deaths and provided details of the ongoing investigation.

Eight other miners were injured in the clash and are being treated at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Authorities have completed the autopsies, and the bodies are now being handed over to police before being returned to families for burial rites.

The incident occurred late on the night of Saturday, January 18, when a group of around 60 illegal miners attempted to breach the security barrier of the mine and enter the Deep Decline area. Armed with locally-made weapons, including rifles, knives, and even gas cylinders, the miners reportedly opened fire on the military officers stationed at the site. The soldiers responded in self-defense, leading to the fatalities and leaving several miners seriously injured. The rest of the group fled the scene.

One soldier was also injured but has since received treatment for wounds caused by pellets from a pump-action gun. Six pump-action BB cartridges were recovered from the site.

The deadly clash has prompted a heavy military presence around the Obuasi mine, with armed forces securing all entry and exit points. In the wake of the violence, local public and private schools have been closed as the Ghana Education Service continues to monitor the unfolding security situation.

Source:TheDotNews