"9 dead in 3 weeks on AngloGold concessions", 10 June 2016

Nine people have died in a period of 3 weeks on the Obuasi Gold concession of AngloGold Ashanti Mines due to lack of effective and “meaningful intervention by state authorities” to curb the menace of illegal mining. The company has largely blamed the withdrawal of government soldiers from their mines earlier this year for the growth in the illegal activities...In a statement, the company said] "Lack of meaningful intervention by authorities since the initial invasion of the site in early February, has emboldened the growing number of illegal miners...It is also our understanding that the increasing number of illegal miners in a lawless environment has heightened tensions, creating significant potential for conflict. The incursion of illegal miners followed the withdrawal of government military protection from the mine...AngloGold Ashanti Ghana notes comments last week by Ashanti Regional Minister, Honourable John Alexander Kobina Ackon, that addressing the growing problem of illegal gold mining is a priority for him..." The Minister had also provided similar assurances directly to AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, pledging that restoration of law and order was imminent...