Tensions flared in Manso Bonteso in the Ashanti Region after a confrontation between residents and the IGP’s special anti-galamsey taskforce over the seizure of an excavator believed to be involved in illegal mining. The clash, which took place on August 14, reportedly left five people feared dead, with several others, including police officers, injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence erupted when residents — allegedly led by the local assembly member, Patrick Asare — tried to stop the taskforce from leaving the area with the seized excavator. The group reportedly pelted officers with stones, prompting warning shots from the taskforce. Despite the warnings, the crowd advanced, leading to multiple gunshot injuries.
At least five civilians sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals, including Nkawie Government Hospital. Two officers — ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao — also sustained injuries.
The taskforce arrested Assembly Member Patrick Asare and two others — Osei Vasco and Akwesi Amponsah — before regaining control and transporting the excavator to Manso Adubia Police Station. A second excavator was left behind due to the volatile situation.
Speaking on Akoma FM’s Ghanakoma Morning Show, some angry residents claimed one of the excavators was unfairly targeted, insisting it was simply parked at home and not being used for mining.
The incident adds to growing tensions around illegal mining enforcement in Ghana’s mining communities.
