The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that military personnel returned fire in self-defense after a group of illegal miners attacked soldiers on patrol at the Anglo Gold Ashanti mine in Obuasi on Saturday night.

On Saturday, January 18, a violent clash between small-scale miners and military personnel guarding the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine left seven people dead and saw the burning of vehicles in the confrontation in the Ashanti Regional town.

• Read also: 8 dead in clash between small-scale miners and soldiers guarding AGA Obuasi Mine

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in a press statement revealed that the illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, gas cylinders, knives, axes, machetes, and heavy-duty industrial bolt cutters, opened fire on the soldiers. In response, the troops returned fire in self-defense.

The ensuing shootout resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners, with one other sustaining serious injuries. The remaining miners fled the scene.

A soldier, who was struck by pellets from a pump-action gun, sustained injuries but has since received treatment and is in stable condition. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene, per the statement.

GAF reiterated the authority of its personnel to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property while on authorised duty. It further stressed that military personnel have the right to use lethal force to protect life when needed.

"The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) wishes to reiterate its caution to all and sundry that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life," the statement read.

The GAF also issued a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to stay away from mining concessions and to refrain from engaging in violent confrontations with troops.

"GAF wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal," the statement read.

The Ghanaian government has consistently warned against illegal mining, also known as "Galamsey," which has been a growing issue in the country, causing environmental damage and posing security threats. The military's Operation HALT II is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities and restore order in mining areas.

The Ghana Armed Forces have vowed to continue their efforts to safeguard the nation's resources and ensure the safety of both civilians and security personnel.