Chamber of Mines Condemns Obuasi Small‑Scale Miners’ Threats to AngloGold Ashanti – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCoM) issued a strong public statement on 2 December 2025 condemning a series of threats delivered by the Artisanal Small‑Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) in the Obuasi mining district. The threats – an ultimatum aimed at the Government of Ghana and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana (AGAG) – were characterised by the Chamber as “dangerous, destabilising and contrary to the rule of law.” This article unpacks the background, the Chamber’s response, the legal framework governing mining security, and the broader implications for Ghana’s mining sector.

Analysis

Background of the Obuasi Conflict

Obuasi is home to one of the world’s largest gold mines, operated by AngloGold Ashanti since 2004. The mine sits on a vast concession that also overlaps with areas traditionally exploited by artisanal and small‑scale miners (ASM). In recent months, ASSMA announced a one‑week ultimatum demanding that the government and AGAG “hand over” additional land for unregulated small‑scale mining. The association warned that failure to comply would trigger “self‑defence” actions, a phrasing that the Chamber interpreted as a threat of violent confrontation.

Official Position of the Ghana Chamber of Mines

In its press release, the GCoM highlighted three core concerns:

1. Security risk: The ultimatum threatens public order in Obuasi municipality and could spill over to the broader Ghanaian mining industry.
2. Misrepresentation of security arrangements: The Chamber clarified that the armed personnel present at the mine are State security officers deployed by the National Security Council (NSC) under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). They are not private security hired by AGAG.
3. Land allocation efforts: AngloGold Ashanti has already transferred approximately 60 percent of its original concession back to the state, a move intended to support community development and regulated ASM.

Security Operations and the Role of the National Security Council

The NSC’s mandate includes protecting “strategic national assets,” a classification that explicitly covers large‑scale gold mines. Under Act 703, the Council may deploy security forces to enforce mining licences, prevent illegal encroachment, and safeguard lives and property. The Chamber emphasised that these operations are a “national mandate,” not a unilateral corporate decision.

Community Development Initiatives by AngloGold Ashanti

AGAG’s 10‑Year Socio‑Economic Development Plan (SEDP) and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund (OCTF) are central to the company’s social licence. The SEDP invests in health clinics, schools, clean water, and vocational training. The OCTF, funded through a percentage of mine revenue, supports infrastructure projects that benefit both formal and informal mining communities. The Chamber warned that these programmes depend on a stable security environment; illegal actions threaten the sustainability of such investments.

Dialogue Platforms and the RCOMSDEP Framework

Rather than resorting to media‑driven ultimatums, the Chamber urged ASSMA to return to established tripartite dialogue mechanisms. The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP) – a joint initiative of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ghana National Association of Small‑Scale Miners (GNASSM), and large‑scale mining companies – provides a structured pathway for licensing, training, and land‑use planning. The Chamber noted that AGAG is actively participating in these discussions, adhering to the “Framework of Understanding” that guides RCOMSDEP implementation.

Summary

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has publicly denounced threats made by ASSMA in Obuasi, describing them as a breach of national peace and a distortion of security realities. While acknowledging genuine concerns from artisanal miners regarding land access, the Chamber stresses that any resolution must follow legal channels, respect the Minerals and Mining Act, and preserve the safety of both communities and corporate assets. AngloGold Ashanti’s recent land relinquishment and community‑development programmes illustrate a willingness to cooperate, but illegal incursions undermine these efforts.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Artisanal and Small‑Scale Miners

1. Register with GNASSM: Formal registration under the Ghana National Association of Small‑Scale Miners provides legal recognition and access to training programmes.

2. Engage through RCOMSDEP: Submit land‑use proposals via the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme to obtain licensed mining rights.

3. Prioritise safety: Avoid confrontations with State security forces; report any illegal activity to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

For AngloGold Ashanti Ghana

1. Continue land‑relinquishment: Maintain transparency about the percentage of concession released and the criteria for further allocations.

2. Strengthen community outreach: Expand the Obuasi Community Trust Fund to address emergent needs identified by local leaders.

3. Collaborate with security agencies: Ensure that State security operations are coordinated with corporate safety plans to minimise disruptions.

For Government Agencies

1. Enforce Act 703: Apply the Minerals and Mining Act consistently, ensuring that both large‑scale and small‑scale miners comply with licensing requirements.

2. Facilitate tripartite dialogue: Provide neutral venues for discussions between the Chamber, ASSMA, and GNASSM.

3. Monitor security deployments: Oversight of NSC‑directed forces helps prevent misuse of authority and builds public trust.

Points of Caution

• Escalation risk: Unchecked threats could lead to violent clashes, jeopardising lives and mining operations.
• Reputational damage: International investors may view Ghana as a high‑risk jurisdiction if legal disputes are not resolved peacefully.
• Environmental impact: Illegal small‑scale mining often bypasses environmental safeguards, leading to land degradation and water contamination.
• Legal liability: Companies that ignore State security directives may face prosecution under the Minerals and Mining Act.

Comparison with Other Ghanaian Mining Disputes

While the Obuasi situation is unique due to the size of AngloGold Ashanti’s concession, it mirrors earlier conflicts in the Tarkwa and Ahafo regions. In Tarkwa (2022), a similar ultimatum by an ASM group was resolved after the Ministry of Lands intervened, granting a limited licence that balanced community needs with corporate rights. The key differentiator in Obuasi is the scale of land already relinquished (≈60 %) and the heightened involvement of the National Security Council. Learning from past settlements suggests that a calibrated, legally‑backed licensing approach combined with robust community development can defuse tensions.

Legal Implications

Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)

Act 703 remains the cornerstone of Ghana’s mining law. Its main provisions relevant to the Obuasi dispute include:

1. Licensing requirements: Both large‑scale and small‑scale miners must hold valid licences issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
2. Land ownership: The State retains ultimate ownership of mineral rights; concession holders may transfer or relinquish land only with governmental approval.
3. Security enforcement: The Act authorises the National Security Council to deploy security personnel to protect “strategic national assets,” which include major gold mines.
4. Penalties for illegal mining: Unlicensed extraction may result in fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of equipment.

National Security Council (NSC) Authority

The NSC, chaired by the President, has the statutory power to coordinate security across ministries. Its involvement in Obuasi reflects a legal mandate to safeguard a high‑value economic asset. Any attempt by private entities to replace NSC‑directed security with private guards would contravene Act 703 and could be challenged in Ghanaian courts.

RCOMSDEP and the Framework of Understanding

The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, established in 2021, is codified through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry, GNASSM, and the Chamber of Mines. It outlines:

• Procedures for granting ASM licences on large‑scale mining lands.
• Capacity‑building modules for ASM operators.
• Monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Violating this framework—by issuing public ultimatums—could be deemed a breach of contractual obligations and may expose the offending party to civil liability.

Conclusion

The Ghana Chamber of Mines’ condemnation of ASSMA’s threats underscores the delicate balance between supporting artisanal mining livelihoods and protecting the nation’s strategic mining assets. By adhering to the Minerals and Mining Act, leveraging the RCOMSDEP framework, and maintaining open dialogue, all stakeholders can pursue a path that safeguards security, promotes sustainable development, and preserves Ghana’s reputation as a stable mining jurisdiction. The Chamber’s call for lawful, non‑violent resolution is both a legal imperative and a pragmatic strategy for long‑term sectoral harmony.

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