Tension flared in Abosso, near Tarkwa, on Wednesday, December 31, after two people were reportedly shot and killed during a confrontation between residents and police officers. The incident occurred amid protests over the alleged transfer of a galamsey (illegal mining) site to Chinese operators.
According to preliminary accounts, local residents had gathered to oppose what they described as the unlawful takeover of a community-access gangway linked to illegal mining activities. The protest reportedly escalated when police moved in to disperse the crowd.
Conflicting Accounts as Authorities Verify Incident
The Western Central Regional Police Command, based in Tarkwa, has stated that the incident is still under investigation and has not yet been officially confirmed. Police authorities say they are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the reported shootings.
However, a senior local official has confirmed fatalities. Louis Afful, the Deputy Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for the Prestea–Huni Valley Municipality, told Channel One News that he personally witnessed the incident.
“Early this morning, a police patrol team entered the community and fired warning shots,” he said. “As I speak now, two people have lost their lives. The bodies have been taken to the Tarkwa Government Hospital morgue.”
Community Tensions and Road Blockade
Following the reported shootings, tensions in the area reportedly escalated. Angry residents blocked sections of the road in protest, disrupting movement and heightening security concerns in the community.
Residents claim the demonstration was sparked by frustration over what they perceive as the continued takeover of local mining areas by foreign operators, allegedly with little regard for the livelihoods and safety of community members.
Growing Concerns Over Galamsey Enforcement
The incident adds to ongoing national concerns surrounding illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which has long been a source of conflict in mining communities across Ghana. Efforts to curb the practice have frequently led to confrontations between law enforcement and residents, particularly in areas where livelihoods depend heavily on small-scale mining.
Authorities are expected to release an official statement once investigations are concluded, while community leaders and civil society groups continue to call for calm and dialogue.
source: Citinewsroom
