ACCRA, Ghana — Military personnel in Ghana have reported the deaths of at least seven individuals during an incident at a gold mining site located in the southern part of the country.

On Sunday, Ghana’s armed forces issued a statement on X, indicating that a group of approximately 60 people described as “illegal miners” had breached security barriers surrounding the Obuasi gold mining operation in the Ashanti region late on Saturday night. According to military reports, the group, armed with locally made firearms, opened fire on a military patrol, prompting a response that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and left another injured.

President John Dramani Mahama responded by calling for a thorough investigation into the shootout’s events and expressed the government’s sorrow over the tragic deaths. He urged AngloGold Ashanti, the mining company that owns the site, to take responsibility for covering the medical costs for the injured and expenses related to the funerals.

AngloGold Ashanti, which is based in the United States and has additional listings in both Ghana and South Africa, acknowledged the shootout’s occurrence. The company operates not only the Obuasi mine but also the Iduapriem mine located in the southwestern region of Ghana.

In their released statement, AngloGold Ashanti confirmed that a large group of armed illegal miners attempted to enter the mine unlawfully. The statement detailed that authorities were dispatched to protect the site and ensure the safety of employees and nearby personnel.

The ongoing issue of illegal gold mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” has garnered significant attention, particularly during the recent presidential election period, where it became a focal point of concern for the electorate. The problems associated with illegal mining have sparked protests and criticism directed at the previous government.

As the leading gold producer in Africa and the sixth largest worldwide, Ghana has witnessed a rise in illegal mining activities, driven by economic difficulties and a lack of job opportunities. This situation has adversely affected local ecosystems, with rivers and other environmental areas suffering from pollution despite governmental efforts aimed at combating illegal mining practices.