Security Guard opens fire on locals on galamsey site in Ashanti Region
Accra, Ghana - October 19, 2024 - A devastating incident unfolded at an illegal mining site in Kunsu, near Nyame Adom in the Ahafo Ano South West District of Ghana's Ashanti Region, on Friday morning. A security guard opened fire on locals who had entered the site in search of gold deposits after the Chinese operators had closed for the day.
The guard's attempt to prevent the locals from accessing the site led to a heated confrontation. In an attempt to disperse the crowd, the guard fired shots, injuring eight people. Sadly, a 17-year-old victim succumbed to their injuries at the Mankranso Government Hospital.
Aftermath and Investigations
Two critically injured victims have been transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment, while the others remain hospitalized at the local facility. The community's outrage was palpable, as some residents stormed the site and set an excavator ablaze.
The police have launched an investigation into the shooting but have yet to make any arrests. The deceased's body has been taken to the morgue.
Assembly Member for the Nyame Adom Electoral Area, Felix Nkansah confirming the incident said, “I went out of the house and was called about the shooting incident. Some of the locals usually go to these mining sites to get some gold nuggets when the owners of the concessions close their operations.
“Some of the females in the town went to this site to work after the Chinese had closed. The security guard was said to have fired towards their direction, and eight of them sustained gunshot wounds.
“I made a follow-up to the Mankranso District Hospital where the victims were taken. One of the victims who is 17- years old died while on admission. I reported the incident to the police who visited the site and also conveyed the body to the morgue.
“Two of the victims were referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment. I have never been to the site, but I know some Chinese operate there. They employed some locals to provide security. So far, no one has been arrested, because the person who did the shooting bolted when the police went to the site.”
Source: Lead News Online
