The Ghana Chamber of Mines has expressed deep concern over a one-week ultimatum issued by the Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association (ASSMA) in Obuasi to the government and AngloGold Ashanti Limited (Ghana), describing the threat as a risk to peace and stability in the mining sector.

In a statement issued, the chamber clarified that security operations at the Obuasi mine were carried out by state security officials under the mandate of the National Security Council, not private agents directed by AGAG management.

The chamber also refuted claims that AGAG had refused to release land for small-scale mining, noting that the company had voluntarily relinquished about 60% of its original concession to the government to support community development, and regulated small-scale mining.

Highlighting the socio-economic contributions of the mine, the chamber noted that AGAG continued to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure through its 10-year socio-economic development plan and the Obuasi Community Trust Fund.

The chamber urged ASSMA to engage constructively through established platforms, including the Joint Working Group and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), rather than issuing ultimatums via the media.

Additionally, the chamber called on government authorities to treat the threats as a credible security matter and take lawful measures to protect lives and property.