Change of gov’t not license to misbehave — Otumfuo condemns invasion of Obuasi mine by illegal miners

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has condemned the recent invasion of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine by illegal miners.

He warned that such developments could draw back the country’s investment fortunes and discourage potential investors.

Speaking when the management of AGA called on him at the Manhyia Palace on January 24, 2025, to brief him on the recent shootout at the Obuasi mine that left nine illegal miners dead, Otumfuo said, “Much as we want investments, we also have an obligation to protect investors for people to appreciate that if you go to Ghana your investments are protected.”

Illegality
The King stated, “It is not acceptable for people to take the law into their own hands to go and disturb legitimate business. AngloGold and Obuasi are intertwined. The community relies on the mining company and the mining company is there for the community so that is unacceptable.

“People cannot just say that because they have to eat they have to go to the mine. No. That cannot be. We are not living in a banana republic. The law must be obeyed. If I’m living in my house here and this lease has been given to me, someone cannot just walk in to tell me he wants a place to live and therefore he’s coming to live in my house.”

The Asantehene pointed out that change of government should not encourage people to do the wrong things adding that, “and I don’t think this government will encourage that. From what they’ve done so far, I don’t think they’ll do that.”

Background
Giving a historical brief, the King said the problem has roots in the agreement to release portion of the Obuasi mine to the community members. “I recall in 2016 when this issue came up, I remember saying that we should cede a portion of the 60 acres to community miners at that time. Even though AngloGold honoured its part, the portion however didn’t go to the people it was meant for. This issue has been lingering and the people are grieving over it as most of them have been left unemployed.”

The King promised to engage the government about the lingering issue when the nominated Minister for Lands and Natural Resources takes office.

The engagement will review how to settle those who have been rendered unemployed by the activities of AGA for the needed measures to sustain them. “So much we have to look at it to see how best we can incorporate all these miners. How can we bring them all into the mainstream? If we can allocate portions of concessions to the gang leader to undertake sustainable mining with their gang and look at how to buy the gold from them.”

Community relations
Otumfuo told the AGA management to improve their community relations. “Your community relations must be heightened so that they will have a clear understanding of what you are doing. Make them understand your operations and the flow of revenue and royalties chain so that they don’t think the money is there to develop Obuasi overnight.”

He also proposed that AGA adopt Newmont Ghana Gold Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy which entails allotting US$1 per ounce of gold sold and 1% of net profit from the Ahafo Mine into a Community Development Fund for sustainable community development. This, he said, comes alongside the royalties and can be used to build schools, hospitals, roads etc.

Update
Briefing the King , the Chief Sustainability Officer and Corporate Affairs of AGA, Stewart Bailey sympathized with the bereaved families.

In line with the directive from President John Dramani Mahama, he said the company is moving to absorb the medical expenses of the injured as well as the funeral cost of the dead.

On galamsey, he said, “illegal mining as opposed to artisanal mining is a substantial threat to large-scale mining and small-scale mining alike in Ghana and on the continent and it is something that we are very eager to continue to engage with stakeholders to find a lasting solution that will be acceptable to the widest range of stakeholders possible.”

This, he indicated, cannot be effectively achieved without the involvement of the Asantehene. “Your Majesty, we seek your support and we thank you for your support thus far.”