One person has been confirmed dead, while a chief and six others are receiving treatment following a shooting incident involving suspected illegal miners at Asawinso “A” in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.
The incident occurred when the chief of Sefwi Asawinso “A”, Nana Kwasi Ayim II, accompanied by some youth from the community, visited the Afao Hill Forest Reserve, where illegal mining activities were reportedly taking place.
According to an eyewitness, Kwame Awudu, the group had gone to the forest to observe the activities of illegal miners operating within the Afao Hill forest enclave.
He said the chief engaged the miners in a peaceful discussion, urging them to stop their operations.
However, while the group was returning from the site, they were allegedly ambushed by heavily built men believed to be associated with the illegal miners, who opened fire on them.
Several injured victims were rushed to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The Assembly Member for the Asawinso “A” Electoral Area, Frank Nelson Ackah, confirmed the incident, stating that the chief and the youth had gone to assess the extent of destruction caused by the illegal mining activities.
He explained that while they were returning from the site, they were attacked by armed men, described as “macho men.”
According to him, a 36-year-old man identified as Kwame Ayisi was shot dead during the attack, while six others, including the chief, sustained serious gunshot injuries.
Meanwhile, the site owner has been arrested to assist Police with investigation.
