A violent attack linked to illegal mining activities at Asawinso “A” in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region has left one person dead and six others critically injured.
The deceased, identified as 36-year-old Kwame Ayisie, was reportedly shot by armed men suspected to be connected to illegal miners operating in the area.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital.
According to the Chief of Asawinso “A”, Nana Kwasi Ayim III, the incident occurred on Monday, May 18, when he led some youth from the community to the Afao Hill Forest Reserve to assess the extent of destruction caused by illegal mining activities.
The chief explained that the visit followed concerns raised by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II over the continued galamsey activities within the community.
Speaking after the incident, Nana Ayim III said the group had gone to engage the illegal miners peacefully and appeal to them to stop operating in the forest reserve.
“I went there to engage the illegal miners in a peaceful discussion and appealed to them to stop the illegal mining activities, but while we were returning from the site, we were ambushed by heavily built men believed to be connected to the illegal miners,” he stated.
According to the chief, the attackers suddenly opened fire on the group, leaving several people with severe gunshot wounds.
President of the Ghana Association of Assembly Members, Frank Nelson Ackah, also confirmed the incident, stating that the chief and the youth had only visited the area to inspect the environmental destruction caused by galamsey before the attack occurred.
He noted that tension remains high in the community following the killing of Kwame Ayisie, who reportedly left behind a wife and four children.
Officials from the Western North Regional Police Command together with representatives of the Anhwiaso Traditional Council later visited the injured victims and the bereaved family.
The delegation assured residents that those responsible for the attack would be arrested and prosecuted.
Police have confirmed the arrest of one suspect while investigations continue to track down other individuals believed to be connected to the shooting.
Meanwhile, fear and anxiety have gripped residents and traditional leaders in the area amid growing concerns over the activities of illegal mining groups in parts of the Western North Region.
Communities including Sefwi Chine, Ntakam, Aboabo, Asawinso and Nketiaso have reportedly been heavily affected by galamsey activities.
Residents are now calling on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat to deploy security personnel to the affected communities to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.