Tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, when two rival groups of illegal timber loggers clashed in the forest area of Sehwi Agyemadiem in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of five individuals, with several others left severely injured.
According to sources, until the incident, the groups were reportedly involved in unauthorized timber harvesting activities, which have been increasingly common in the region.
Tensions between the two groups had been escalating over control of prime logging areas, which ultimately led to the fatal conflict.
The incident, which took place in Agyemadiem, saw the two factions engage in a deadly confrontation using machetes and pump-action guns, and other tools commonly used in their illicit activity of fighting.
Eyewitnesses claim that the situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to the tragic deaths. A Mitsubishi Pickup with the registration number GE 9075 – 17 was also set ablaze in the scuffle.
The deceased have been identified as members of one group, though their identities are yet to be confirmed by authorities as their lifeless bodies are deposited at the morgue for autopsy and preservation.
However, the injured individuals have been hospitalised at the Sefwi Asawinso hospitals for treatment. Police have also restored calm in the area.
Residents and local authorities have called for more stringent enforcement of forestry laws, stressing the importance of protecting the region’s forests from further exploitation.
All efforts to speak to the Assemblyman of Agyemadiem Electoral Area on midday News on Angel FM for an update and explanation did not yield results.
