One person has died while four others sustained serious injuries following a violent clash at an illegal mining site at Sefwi Asawinso “A” in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.
The injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital.
The incident occurred on Monday, May 18, 2026, within the Afao Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso “A” after some people had reportedly attacked a mining site in the forest reserve.
Police preliminary investigations revealed that Nana Kwesi Ayim III, Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso “A”, together with some youth from the community, allegedly moved to the area after receiving information about illegal mining activities within the forest reserve.
Police said upon arriving at the site, the group reportedly encountered some people actively engaged in illegal mining activities, leading to a misunderstanding.
During the confrontation, a group of men armed with firearms and cutlasses allegedly attacked Nana Kwesi Ayim III and his team, leaving five people with various degrees of gunshot and cutlass wounds.
According to the police, one of the victims, identified as 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, succumbed to his injuries on arrival at the hospital, and the body was deposited at the facility’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, the remaining injured persons are responding to treatment at the facility following their hospitalisation.
One suspect, identified as Isaac Badu, also known as Obede, has been arrested and is currently in custody, assisting with investigations.
Police noted that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices connected to the attack.
