The Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Association in Obuasi has raised concerns over what it describes as the failure to address the January 2025 killing of nine miners who reportedly invaded an AngloGold Ashanti concession in Obuasi.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the miners alleged that some influential individuals orchestrated the invasion of the mining company’s concession weeks after the 2024 general elections.
According to the spokesperson for the group, Emmanuel Kofi Ayamga, the Obuasi East District Chief Executive, William Kofi Adzorwu, was among those who allegedly ordered the miners to enter the AngloGold Ashanti concession.
Ayamga said the identities of persons allegedly behind the incident had been brought to the attention of the association, raising questions about why the families of the nine deceased miners were yet to receive compensation.
He said, “The people who orchestrated this invasion are known to us. The families of these victims have been left in a very difficult situation, and we cannot understand why, after all this time, they have not been compensated.”
The spokesperson further described the plight of the affected families as worrying, claiming that the deaths had left some families without their breadwinners, while miners who survived similar incidents had suffered permanent disabilities.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Kofi Ayamga also questioned the continued recognition of Kofi Adams, popularly known as Chairman Kuma, as chairman of the association.
According to him, Chairman Kuma no longer serves in that capacity because he allegedly engages in deals with other mining companies for his personal benefit rather than in the interest of the association.
He argued that such alleged activities were contrary to the association’s codes of conduct and principles.
“We are saying that Kofi Adams, popularly known as Chairman Kuma, is no longer the chairman of this association. His alleged dealings with companies, which we believe benefit him personally and not the association, do not conform to our codes,” Ayamga stated.
The association’s Acting Chairman, Bismarck Sisaala, also raised questions over an alleged agreement involving the late Samuel Aboagye and the former chairman, Kofi Adams.
According to Bismarck Sisaala, the late Samuel Aboagye reportedly signed a document with Kofi Adams during the latter’s tenure as chairman of the association.
He has therefore challenged Kofi Adams to make the alleged document public and explain its contents to the people of Obuasi.
“If Kofi Adams says there was an agreement signed by the late Samuel Aboagye, then he should prove what that letter contains. He must bring the letter for the good people of Obuasi to see,” Bismarck said.
The miners are consequently calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the nine miners and the welfare of their bereaved families.
The allegations made at the press conference have not, in themselves, established wrongdoing by the individuals named. The persons mentioned have the opportunity to respond to the claims.
By 1960news.com
