The deceased were among a group of eight people who allegedly ventured onto Newmont’s Ahafo South mining site to engage in illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

The incident occurred around 7:00 PM on Wednesday when the group attempted to flee upon noticing the presence of police officers.

In an interview with Adom News, the Akyempimhene, Nana Aduse-Poku, expressed his shock and condemnation of the incident.

He revealed that the alleged mining site the group visited was an abandoned concession of Newmont.

Nana Aduse-Poku stated that the company should have apprehended the individuals for questioning, rather than resorting to shooting and killing them.

He described the decision, which resulted in three deaths and left five others injured, as unnecessary and unjustified.

The Akyempimhene called on the government and relevant authorities to take action and establish measures that would allow the youth in mining communities to utilize abandoned pits and stones for productive purposes, thereby improving their livelihoods.

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The deceased were part of a group of eight people who allegedly went to the Newmont Ahafo South mines to engage in illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

The incident occurred around 7:00 PM on Wednesday when the group attempted to flee upon seeing the police officers.

According to reports, the police pursued them while firing indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Five others sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the St. Elizabeth Hospital mortuary.

In response to the killings, the youth of Acherensua have taken to the streets in protest, blocking major roads and demanding justice for the victims.

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