Seven illegal miners lost their lives during a violent shootout with the Ghanaian military at a gold mine in the Ashanti Region. The confrontation occurred when armed miners allegedly resisted an operation aimed at curbing illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
The military was deployed as part of Ghana’s intensified efforts to combat galamsey, which has devastated the country’s water bodies and ecosystems. Authorities reported that the miners opened fire first, prompting the soldiers to respond in self-defense.
Illegal mining remains a major issue in Ghana, the leading gold producer in Africa. Despite government crackdowns, the lucrative but unregulated activity persists, driven by economic hardship and high global gold prices.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the use of lethal force, calling for thorough investigations into the incident. Meanwhile, the government reiterates its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources while addressing the root causes of galamsey through job creation and community development programs.
