Schools in Obuasi temporarily closed amidst security concerns

Schools in Obuasi in the Ashanti region have been temporarily closed due to tensions in the area.

Both private and public schools in both Obuasi and Obuasi East municipalities are to remain closed for the next two days following the clash between some illegal miners and the military.

Director of Education in the Obuasi Municipality, George Koomson has said the temporal closing of schools is to ensure the safety and protection of both students and teachers.

“We can’t guarantee the safety of both learners and teachers, so we’ve agreed that for tomorrow [Monday] and possibly Tuesday, we will not be going to school. The contact hours will be missed and recouping the lost hours will be difficult,” he said.

This clash happened when miners numbering about 60 armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, axes, among other tools and equipment, breached the mines security fence of AngloGold Ashanti and intruded at a Cote D’or Ramp in their attempt to enter its Deep Decline. The breach of security resulted in a shootout between the military on duty and the illegal miners on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

At least eight people have been confirmed dead and several others injured.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has directed AGA to absorb the medical costs of the injured persons as it sets out to investigate circumstances leading to the tragic incident.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang