A violent confrontation at an illegal mining site within the Afao Hills Forest Reserve has left one person dead and four others seriously injured.
The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon near Sefwi Asawinso “A”, escalated when a local traditional leader and community youth attempted to confront illegal miners.
According to a statement from the Western North Regional Police Command, the Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso “A”,
Nana Kwesi Ayim III, led a group of local youth to the forest reserve after receiving reports of ongoing illegal mining activities.
Upon their arrival, a dispute erupted between the community members and the miners.
The situation turned bloody when a group of men armed with guns and cutlasses launched a brutal assault on the traditional leader and his entourage.
Five individuals suffered severe gunshot and machete wounds during the attack.
One of the victims, 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital.
His body has been moved to the hospital’s morgue for preservation and an autopsy, while the remaining four injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment and responding positively.
Police authorities have since arrested the suspected mastermind behind the attack, identified as Isaac Badu, also known as Obede.
Officials described Badu as the kingpin who planned and executed the violent ambush. He remains in police custody and is assisting with investigations as law enforcement officers track down his accomplices.
The Regional Police Command has deployed security measures to restore order and maintain peace within the affected communities.
While assuring the public that the situation is firmly under control, the police cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands and urged anyone with information regarding the attack to come forward.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana