What began as a confrontation over a simple act of roasted corn selling, has exploded into a dark tale of violence, community outrage, and deepening suspicions of traditional authority in the galamsey-ridden town of Akyem Amenam, located in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
A 29-year-old Okada rider, identified as Kwaku Eric, was beaten into a coma and later died— allegedly at the hands of a notorious gang operating under the protection of a local mining enterprise said to have links to the town’s chief.
Kwaku Eric was intervening in the harassment of a female corn seller suspected of being an informant.
The allegation that sparked the deadly attack
On July 13, 2025, the gang, led by one Isaac Asante, reportedly confronted a woman selling roasted corn, accusing her of leaking information about their mining activities to Sikagyeso Global Limited—the legitimate leaseholders of the disputed mining concession.
Kwaku Eric, standing by, intervened and challenged the gang’s aggression toward the woman.
This enraged Asante, who went to his vehicle, retrieved a gun, and began issuing threats.
When Kwaku Eric resisted the intimidation, Asante allegedly ordered his men to beat him mercilessly.K waku Eric was beaten into unconsciousness and fell into a coma.
Fearing the consequences of their actions, the gang rushed him to the Abirem Government Hospital— but not in a show of remorse.
They reportedly told hospital authorities that he was an armed robber. The deception was quickly uncovered, prompting the hospital to alert the police.
Isaac Asante and his accomplices were subsequently arrested. Kwaku Eric, however, succumbed to his injuries the following day. His body has since been deposited at the Eye N Eye Mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
Tensions rooted in mining conflict
The fatal assault is part of a larger crisis tied to a bitter mining dispute.
The land in question is said to belong to Sikagyeso Global Limited, which holds a legitimate concession granted by the Minerals Commission.
However, active work on the site had not commenced due to documentation delays.
Taking advantage of the lull, a group allegedly invaded the concession with support from Chinese nationals. They took over structures belonging to Sikagyeso Global and began illegal mining.
The legitimate leaseholders reported the invasion to the authorities, resulting in multiple arrests of both Chinese miners and local collaborators.
It was during this atmosphere of growing hostility that Kokou Eric was murdered— his death is now widely seen as a targeted attack by a gang determined to maintain illegal control of the site.
Previous xasualties and widening unrest
The young Okada rider is not the only casualty in this conflict. Just weeks earlier, a protester aligned with Sikagyeso Global reportedly fell into an abandoned pit on the disputed land and died.
The back-to-back deaths have enraged residents and fueled ongoing hostilities.
The deceased was a northerner, and his death has sparked widespread anger among the northern community in Akyem Amenam and neighbouring towns.
In a show of solidarity and outrage, hundreds of northerners took to the streets to protest what they described as targeted ethnic violence and unchecked brutality by gang elements allegedly linked to the Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV.
Arrest sends shockwaves through traditional power structures
The arrest of Isaac Asante, described as the chief’s right-hand man and spiritual advisor, has shaken the foundations of the traditional authority in the area.
The ringleader, Asante, is believed to have played a key role and led efforts to secure the illegal mining site.
His close ties to the Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV, and his leadership of the assault, have raised serious concerns about the chief’s possible involvement— or at least complicity —in the illegal mining activities and the violence they have spawned.
Calls for justice and increased police presence
The deceased’s father, Baba Moses, has passionately appealed to the government
and security services for justice.
“My son was innocent. He wasn’t a criminal. He died protecting a woman. We demand justice,” he said.
With tensions escalating, the Birim North Police Command has increased its presence in Akyem Amenam and surrounding areas.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected in connection with the case.
However, an attempt to speak to the chief at press time on Sunday proved unsuccessful as all calls sent to his phone weren’t answered.
