A 36-year-old man has been shot dead while a chief and six others sustained gunshot injuries following a violent confrontation linked to illegal mining activities at Asawinso in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality.
The deceased, identified as Kwame Ayisi, was reportedly among a group led by the chief of Sefwi Asawinso “A”, Nana Kwasi Ayim II, who had visited the Afao Hill Forest Reserve over growing concerns about illegal mining activities in the area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the chief and some youth from the community had gone to the forest enclave to assess the extent of destruction allegedly caused by galamsey operators.
An eyewitness, Kwame Awudu, said the chief engaged the miners in what he described as a calm discussion, appealing to them to stop their activities in the forest reserve.
However, tragedy struck while the group was returning from the site when they were allegedly ambushed by heavily built men believed to be linked to the illegal miners.
The armed men reportedly opened fire on the group, leaving several people critically injured.
The victims were rushed to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital for treatment, while the chief and six others are currently receiving medical care for gunshot wounds.
The Assembly Member for the Asawinso “A” Electoral Area, Frank Nelson Ackah, confirmed the incident and described the attack as shocking and disturbing.
The incident has heightened tension in the community, with residents calling for urgent security intervention to clamp down on illegal mining activities and restore calm in the area.
