Gbane; Illegal Miners confront Minerals Commision Officials with gunfire

An inspection by Minerals Commission officials and Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited at a mining site in Gbane, Upper East Region, took a dangerous turn when illegal miners underground fired a warning shot at the team.

The team had descended into the tunnels of the Chinese-owned mine to investigate a smoke incident and assess safety conditions. However, deep within the shafts, they encountered groups of illegal miners—some of them reportedly teenagers—scavenging for gold ore. When asked to leave, the miners refused and responded with aggression. One individual allegedly issued a direct challenge before gunfire rang out, forcing the inspectors to retreat for their safety.

Mine Manager Firibu Salia described the encounter as tense and dangerous, saying the team realized they were not safe and had no option but to abandon the inspection and resurface.

The company has raised alarms over the increasing boldness of illegal miners, especially at Shaft 4, which it says has effectively been taken over. According to management, illicit activities are now widespread across various levels of the mine, severely disrupting operations and endangering lives.

Earlier on the same day, 42 illegal miners were trapped underground after smoke from a controlled blast filled the tunnels. A rapid response by the company’s emergency team successfully rescued the miners, highlighting the ongoing safety risks tied to unauthorized incursions.

Assistant Public Relations Officer Albert Azongo confirmed that the inspection was intended to understand the cause of the earlier smoke incident. Instead, it turned into a life-threatening episode that underscored the severity of illegal mining operations within the concession.

Earl International has reiterated its concerns over both the operational impact and safety implications of these invasions and is calling for stronger enforcement measures. Authorities are now expected to step up security in the area as tensions between large-scale mining operations and illegal miners continue to mount.