One Shot Dead, Chief and Six Others Injured in Suspected Galamsey Attack at Asawinso “A”

One Shot Dead, Chief and Six Others Injured in Suspected Galamsey Attack at Asawinso “A”

A tragic shooting incident linked to suspected illegal mining activities has claimed the life of one person, while the Chief of Sefwi Asawinso “A” and six others are currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.

The unfortunate incident occurred at the Afao Hill Forest Reserve, where illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, are reportedly ongoing.

According to eyewitness reports, the Chief of Sefwi Asawinso “A”, Nana Kwasi Ayim II, together with some youth from the community, visited the forest reserve to assess the extent of destruction caused by illegal miners operating in the area.

An eyewitness, Kwame Awudu, disclosed that the chief peacefully engaged the suspected illegal miners and appealed to them to stop their activities, which continue to destroy the forest reserve and surrounding environment.

However, tragedy struck while the chief and his entourage were returning from the site. They were allegedly ambushed by heavily built men believed to be connected to the illegal mining operation, who reportedly opened fire on the group.

The sudden attack left several people with serious gunshot wounds.

Victims were rushed to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

The Assembly Member for the Asawinso “A” Electoral Area, Frank Nelson Ackah, confirmed the incident and explained that the chief and the youth had only gone to inspect the level of destruction caused by the illegal miners in the forest reserve.

According to him, the group was attacked on their way back from the area.

Mr. Ackah further confirmed that a 36-year-old man identified as Kwame Ayisi lost his life in the shooting incident, while six others, including the chief, sustained severe gunshot injuries.

The incident has heightened tension within the community, with residents calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities and bring the perpetrators behind the attack to justice.

Meanwhile, investigations are expected to commence to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deadly attack.

Source:Bibianinews.com