The Oheneba Poku Foundation, a non-profit organization, has expressed concern over the ongoing tensions between residents of Obuasi, particularly small-scale miners, and AngloGold Ashanti (AGA). This follows a violent confrontation on Saturday, January 18, 2025, between illegal miners and the military, which tragically resulted in the deaths of nine individuals and several others injured.
In a statement, the Foundation called on all parties, including AngloGold Ashanti and the Obuasi community, to engage in peaceful dialogue aimed at a constructive resolution.
“We believe this situation highlights the urgent need for open dialogue, mutual respect, and responsible engagement between corporations and local communities,” stated Oheneba Nana Kofi Poku, Chairman of the Foundation.
The Foundation, committed to environmental stewardship, social empowerment, and ethical development—particularly in the context of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Africa—urged AngloGold Ashanti to join the Africa Responsible Mineral Sourcing Initiative (ARMSi).
The ARMSi, launched last year, promotes transparency, ethical sourcing, and sustainability in the mining sector. The Foundation believes this initiative could provide a pathway toward resolving the ongoing tensions between local miners and the company.
“We strongly urge AngloGold Ashanti to join ARMSi and publicly commit to its principles, including transparency in revenue allocation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the Foundation encouraged stakeholders across Africa’s mining industry to align their operations with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
The Foundation also called on AGA to reassess its corporate social responsibility programs, ensuring that they address the immediate needs of the Obuasi community, particularly through job creation for the local youth.
“We recommend that immediate, transparent discussions take place regarding the environmental impact of AngloGold Ashanti's operations, with actionable plans for land reclamation, pollution control, and community health safeguards,” the statement emphasized.
The Foundation stressed the importance of shared responsibility between mining companies and the host communities. “It is vital that the benefits of mining, including royalties and other resources, are equitably shared with the Obuasi community to promote development and address socio-economic disparities,” it added.
The Foundation also called on the government to facilitate a mediation process to ensure a fair resolution and adherence to international best practices in sustainable development and ethical resource management.
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