Obuasi: Binsere Residents Protest Against AngloGold Ashanti Over Shooting Incident and Toxic Waste Dam

The people of Binsere, a farming community in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region, have launched a protest against AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine. The protest was sparked by the construction of a toxic waste dam in the area, which has raised serious health and environmental concerns.

According to the residents, AngloGold Ashanti has built three large dams near their homes, which store toxic chemicals used in gold washing and polluted water. They claim that these dams are contaminating local water sources, leading to various health problems, including severe illnesses. The residents report that the chemicals have been linked to numerous miscarriages among pregnant women, and many babies have been born with congenital diseases. One recent case involves a 10-year-old child diagnosed with liver disease, allegedly due to exposure to the toxic chemicals.

The community’s grievances were further fueled by a tragic incident in which a young man was shot and killed by AngloGold Ashanti security personnel at the beginning of the dam’s construction. This incident, the residents claim, instilled fear within the community, causing them to remain silent for some time.

Despite repeated complaints, the residents say AngloGold Ashanti has not taken responsibility for the situation. They are now calling on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Government of Ghana to intervene, demanding compensation and proper relocation accommodations if necessary.

Key Demands:

Immediate government intervention to address the health and environmental concerns.
Compensation for the affected residents.
Proper relocation and accommodation for those affected.
Accountability from AngloGold Ashanti for the environmental and health damage caused by the toxic waste dam.

The residents have warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they will take matters into their own hands.