The Municipal Chief Executive for Bibiani, Sebastian Obeng, has confirmed the arrest of a key suspect following a violent confrontation at an illegal mining (galamsey) site at Asawinso in the Western North Region, which left one person dead and several others injured on Monday.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Obeng explained that the incident escalated after traditional authorities, supported by security personnel, intervened to halt illegal mining operations in the area.
He indicated that the Asawinso chief led the initial intervention after receiving reports of illegal mining activities, which subsequently triggered tensions among those involved at the site.
According to him, the situation worsened after a man identified as Obidi, reportedly linked to the mining site, allegedly mobilised additional individuals following notification of the chief’s actions.
“So I called the Police Commander to alert him and also deploy personnel, and they did. Illegal miners have been a thorn in our flesh,” he stated.
Mr Obeng further alleged that armed individuals, reportedly led by persons identified as Afoko and Baako Bewu, stormed the site and opened fire indiscriminately after being called to the scene.
“So when the chief heard that people were doing galamsey, he moved in with some people because he had vowed that he would not allow galamsey in the area,” he narrated. “He also called thugs whose leaders have been identified as Afoko and Baako Bewu. They invaded the site and started shooting indiscriminately,” he added.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of one person and left about seven others injured, while several individuals fled the scene.
Mr Obeng also confirmed that Obidi was later arrested after voluntarily reporting to the police station with a firearm, allegedly believing authorities were unaware of the incident.
“Obidi went to the police station with a gun to report that there had been a robbery at his mining site, thinking the police were not aware of what had happened, which led to his arrest,” he said.
Security agencies are continuing investigations into the incident as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the region.
