Man killed in Bibiani-Asawinso galamsey clash, site owner arrested

Man was killed on Monday at a galamsey site at Asawinso in the Western North Region. Sebastian Obeng, the Municipal Chief Executive for Bibiani, confirmed the arrest of a key suspect following a violent confrontation.

The incident escalated after traditional authorities and security personnel moved in to halt illegal mining activities at the site. The Asawinso Chief led an intervention after receiving reports of illegal mining in the area. Mr. Obeng said, "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." Tensions rose when a man identified as Obidi, who is linked to the site, allegedly called other individuals to the scene after being informed of the chief's intervention. A group of armed men stormed the area and began firing indiscriminately. Mr. Obeng narrated, "He also called thugs whose leaders have been identified as Afoko and Baako Bewu. They invaded the site and started shooting indiscriminately." The violence left one person dead and about seven others injured, while several others fled for safety.

Mr. Obeng further confirmed that Obidi was later arrested after reporting to the police station with a firearm. 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.