The Chief of Manso Akwasiso, Nana Kwakye Gyima Yeboah II, led residents of the Amansie South District to stage a protest against the alleged killing of a 20-year-old boy by military personnel, demanding immediate investigation and justice.
According to reports, the deceased, identified as Evans Allotey, a second-year student of Okomfo Anokye Senior High School, was allegedly chased by soldiers into an abandoned galamsey pit, leading to his tragic death.
Nana Kwakye Gyima Yeboah II told Adom News that although he strongly opposes illegal mining, it was unacceptable for military personnel to pursue a young man into a dangerous pit and allegedly prevent others from rescuing him.
“I am against galamsey, but it is unacceptable for soldiers to chase a young man into a galamsey pit and prevent others at gunpoint from rescuing him, resulting in his death. After this protest, I will petition the Interior Ministry and other relevant state institutions to launch a full investigation. We are demanding justice,” the Chief stated.
Some protesters who claimed to have witnessed the incident narrated that they attempted to rescue Evans after he fell into the pit, but the soldiers prevented them by firing warning shots.
“Evans had just returned from school last week to work and raise money to support his education, but these soldiers have killed him. We need justice,” some of the grieving youth said amid tears.
Assembly Member for the area, Nsiah Kesse, alleged that the military personnel had been deployed to provide security for an ongoing land reclamation exercise at Manso Nyankomase but accused some of them of harassing local youth and allegedly extorting money from illegal miners.
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