W/NR: Police Arrest One In Connection with Deadly Clash at Illegal Mining Site
The police have arrested one person in connection with a violent and deadly clash at an illegal mining site within the Afoa Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso ‘A’ in the Western North Region.
One person died while five others sustained injuries following a clash which occurred on May 18, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., according to the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Divisional Command.
The Police said they received information that some people had attacked a mining site in the reserve and responded by sending a team led by the District Commander and the Divisional Crime Officer to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where victims were receiving treatment.
The suspect has been identified as Isaac Badu, also known as Obede, and described as the kingpin who planned and executed the attack.
He is in custody assisting the investigation while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices.
Incident
Preliminary investigations indicate that Nana Kwesi Ayim III, Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso ‘A’, and some youth from the community went to the area after learning that illegal mining was taking place.
On arrival, they reportedly encountered people actively engaged in the activity.
A misunderstanding ensued, during which a group of men armed with firearms and cutlasses allegedly attacked Nana Kwesi Ayim III and his team.
Five people sustained gunshot and cutlass wounds, while one victim, 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
His body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy. The injured persons are said to be responding to treatment.
Caution
The Western North Regional Police Command has cautioned the public against resorting to violence to resolve disputes and urged anyone with relevant information to volunteer it to the police.
The Command added that the situation is under control and that adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order in the affected communities.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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