The suspect
Police have arrested a suspect following a violent attack at an illegal mining site near Sefwi Asawinso “A” that left one person dead and five others injured.
Head of Public Affairs, Western North Regional Police Command, Inusah Adama, in a press statement, said the service received reports at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, that a group had attacked a mining site within the Afao Hills Forest Reserve.
“A police team led by the District Commander and Divisional Crime Officer responded and proceeded to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where victims were receiving treatment,” statement read.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Nana Kwesi Ayim III, Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso “A”, and some community youth went to the area after receiving a tip-off that illegal mining was ongoing in the forest reserve.
Police say they encountered people actively engaged in illegal mining. A misunderstanding reportedly broke out, after which a group of armed men allegedly attacked Nana Kwesi Ayim III and his team with firearms and cutlasses.
Five people sustained gunshot and cutlass wounds. One victim, 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital. His body has been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy. The injured are responding to treatment.
Police have arrested Isaac Badu, alias “Obede,” whom they describe as the kingpin who planned and executed the attack. He is in custody assisting with investigations. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest other suspects.
The Western North Regional Police Command cautioned the public against resorting to violence to resolve disputes, and urged anyone with information to contact the Police Service.
It also assured that the situation is under control and that adequate security measures have been deployed to maintain law and order in the affected communities.