One person has been confirmed dead while five others sustained gunshot and cutlass wounds following a violent clash linked to alleged illegal mining activities within the Afao Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso ‘A’ in the Western North Region.
According to the Police, the incident occurred on Monday, May 18, 2026, after the Bidiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Divisional Command received information about an attack at a mining site in the forest reserve.
A police team led by the District Commander and the Divisional Crime Officer proceeded to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where the victims were receiving treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso ‘A’, Nana Kwesi Ayim III, together with some youth from the community, allegedly moved to the area following reports of illegal mining activities within the forest reserve.
Police say upon arriving at the site, the group reportedly encountered some individuals actively engaged in illegal mining.
A misunderstanding allegedly broke out between the two groups, after which armed men wielding firearms and cutlasses reportedly attacked Nana Kwesi Ayim III and his team.
Five people sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack.
One of the victims, identified as 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital.
His body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Police say the injured victims are currently responding positively to treatment.
Meanwhile, one suspect, identified as Isaac Badu, also known as “Obede,” believed to be the leader of the gang that attacked the victims, has been arrested.
The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices connected to the attack.
The Regional Police Command has cautioned the public against resorting to violence in resolving disputes and urged persons with relevant information to assist ongoing investigations.
Police further assured residents that the situation has been brought under control and that adequate security measures have been deployed to maintain law and order in the affected communities.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
