Ing Dr Ken Ashigbey addressing the media
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has strongly condemned recent threats issued by the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) in Obuasi, describing them as dangerous and a violation of established dispute-resolution structures.
In a statement issued on Tuesday(2 December ), the Chamber expressed deep concern over ASSMA’s one-week ultimatum to the Government and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana (AGAG), warning that such actions undermine peace and stability in the mining sector.
Addressing circulating claims, the Chamber clarified that military personnel stationed at the Obuasi Mine operate under the mandate of the National Security Council—not AGAG management. Their role, it said, is to protect a strategic national asset and enforce the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The Chamber reiterated that suggestions that mine officials direct security operations against citizens are “factually incorrect.”
The Chamber rejected assertions that AGAG has refused to release land to small-scale miners. According to the statement, the company has voluntarily relinquished about 60% of its original concession to the Government to support regulated community mining.
It noted that continued unauthorised entry into AGAG’s fenced operational areas threatens safety and undermines structured small-scale mining initiatives.
Highlighting the mine’s contribution to development, the Chamber referenced AGAG’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund, which support education, health, and infrastructure. These programmes, it stressed, require a stable security environment.
Contrary to claims of poor engagement, the Chamber confirmed that AGAG is part of a Framework of Understanding guiding tripartite discussions with the Government and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM).
This framework supports the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP).
The Chamber urged Government to treat the ultimatum as a security issue and take lawful measures to protect lives and property.
It also encouraged ASSMA to use existing dialogue platforms instead of resorting to threats, and called on the media to verify claims regarding land and security mandates.
“The Chamber stands with AngloGold Ashanti and reaffirms that responsible mining can only thrive in an environment of law and order,” the statement added.
Below is the full statement:
