Gun-toting security guard kills one, injures seven at galamsey site

One person has been confirmed dead, while seven are in critical condition after a security guard protecting an illegal mining (galamsey) site opened fire on the indigenes.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Kunsu in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region.

The victims went to the site to search for gold deposits after Chinese operators had closed their daily operations.

However, a confrontation ensued when the security guard tried to prevent the locals from accessing the site.

To scare them, the guard ended up shooting towards their direction.

A 17-year-old died due to severe injuries after they were rushed to the Mankranso Government Hospital.

Two of the victims have been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment, while the others are still on admission at the local facility.

Some angry residents also stormed the site and set one of the excavators belonging to the owners ablaze.

Police have begun investigations into the shooting, but no arrest has been made yet.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue.

Assembly Member for the Nyame Adom Electoral Area, Felix Nkansah confirming the incident said, “I went out of the house and was called about the shooting incident. Some of the locals usually go to these mining sites to get some gold nuggets when the owners of the concessions close their operations.

“Some of the females in the town went to this site to work after the Chinese had closed. The security guard was said to have fired towards their direction, and eight of them sustained gunshot wounds”.

He continued, “I made a follow-up to the Mankranso District Hospital where the victims were taken. One of the victims who is 17- years old died while on admission. I reported the incident to the police who visited the site and also conveyed the body to the morgue.

“Two of the victims were referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment. I have never been to the site, but I know some Chinese operate there. They employed some locals to provide security. So far, no one has been arrested, because the person who did the shooting bolted when the police went to the site”.