Ghana Chamber of Mines has issued a strong condemnation of the recent threats made by the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) against AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited (AGAG) in Obuasi and the government.
In a press release, the Chamber called for respect for the rule of law and the security of the country’s vital national assets.
The Chamber’s intervention comes at a critical juncture, as tensions escalate in the Obuasi municipality, where the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) issued a one-week ultimatum to the government and AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited (AGAG) in Obuasi.
The Chamber’s statement aims to provide clarity on the legal and security frameworks governing the situation, debunking the misinformation that contributed to the ongoing conflict.
“The Chamber views any threat to “advise themselves” outside of established legal frameworks as a threat to the peace and stability of the mining industry and the Obuasi municipality. We wish to correct misinformation regarding the security status and land tenure at the Obuasi Mine to de- escalate tensions”
Ghana Chamber of Mines
Security Operations: A National Mandate
The Chamber has been unequivocal in its stance, clarifying that the military personnel deployed to the Obuasi mine are not private security agents acting on the operational orders of AGAG management. Instead, they are state security officials deployed under the National Security Council’s mandate, with the objective of protecting a strategic national asset and enforcing the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006.
“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 asserted, dispelling the notion that the security measures are a private initiative.
The Chamber’s press release also addressed the core justification used by the ASSMA for their agitations – the allegation that AGAG has refused to release land for small-scale mining.
The Chamber, however, stated that records confirm that AGAG has voluntarily relinquished approximately 60% of its original concession area to the Government of Ghana, explicitly intending to facilitate community development and provide designated areas for regulated, responsible small-scale mining.
The Ghana Chamber of mines also cautioned that “Continued unauthorised incursions into the remaining fenced, active operational areas undermine the orderly development of the community mining sector“, highlighting the need for all stakeholders to respect the established frameworks and processes.
Role of the Ghana Chamber of Mines
The Ghana Chamber of Mines as the leading industry’s association, plays crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and the sustainable development of the mining sector.
The Chamber’s intervention in the Obuasi misunderstanding underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of national assets.
The Chamber’s press release serves as a clarion call to all parties involved, urging the government to treat the ASSMA’s ultimatum as a credible security matter and take all necessary lawful measures to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
The Chamber also called on the ASSMA leadership to utilize the established channels for constructive dialogue, rather than resorting to threats, to promote peaceful resolution.
Furthermore, the Chamber emphasized the importance of the media in verifying claims about land ownership and security mandates, to avoid inflaming tensions and contributing to the spread of misinformation.
While the Obuasi conflict continues to unfold, the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ unwavering stance in support of AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited and its call for upholding the rule of law and the security of national assets will undoubtedly shape the discourse and influence the ultimate outcome.
The Chamber’s commitment to responsible mining and peaceful coexistence among all stakeholders remains a crucial factor in navigating the complexities of this dispute.
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