A confrontation between residents and illegal miners in the Afao Forest Reserve at Sehwi Nkatieso in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region has left five individuals injured.
The clash occurred when the community’s youth attempted to resist illegal mining activities in the forest reserve.
According to residents, the illegal mining operations, also known as galamsey, have had a devastating impact on their environment and livelihoods.
They are calling on authorities to intervene urgently, emphasising that the miners’ activities pose a significant threat to their safety and well-being.
The injured individuals have been rushed to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
In response to the incident, Alfred Obeng Boateng, the Member of Parliament for Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, has assured the community that steps will be taken to address their concerns.
Boateng promised to work closely with security agencies to remove all illegal mining equipment from the forest reserve and restore calm to the area.