A clash between residents and men believed to be national security personnel at Manso Mpatasie in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, has left one person injured.
The victim has been admitted to St. Martin Catholic Hospital in Agroyesum.
The incident occurred Tuesday morning July 8, 2025, when the officers reportedly attempted to track down excavators suspected to have been used for illegal mining, sparking a confrontation with aggrieved residents and miners.
The convener of the aggrieved residents, Mr. Kwaku Bobie, claimed the officers’ actions were unlawful, as the excavators were not located at mining sites but rather parked at private homes, an act he said provoked them.
“The police vehicle arrived full of armed men who began tracking the equipment without prior notice. When we questioned their actions, they claimed it was an order from above.
“We decided to resist, mounting a barricade to prevent them from towing the machines, which led to the clash,” Mr. Bobie said.
The Assembly Member of the area, George Acheampong expressed concern over the conduct of the security personnel.
He warned that targeting individuals in their homes could undermine government efforts to curb illegal mining.
He added that “Although they succeeded in towing two mining vehicles, the pits seen in the area are not new.”
He told reporters that “The machines were parked, so I wonder what justified their actions.”
Some youth involved in mining used the incident to call on President Mahama and the NDC government to restrain its operatives, warning of potential future unrest.
“We urge the government to intervene swiftly before things spiral out of control. If such raids continue, we may be forced to retaliate,” one of them said.
They further appealed to the government to prioritize youth dignity and establish proper structures to create job opportunities in the mining sector.
