A violent clash between the residents of Darkokrom and suspected illegal miners has resulted in one fatality and multiple gunshot injuries, heightening tensions in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region.
The deceased, identified as 34-year-old farmer Edwine Atteh Djaba, was reportedly beaten to death during the altercation.
A 76-year-old resident, Samuel Nartay Dapaah, along with several others, also suffered gunshot wounds.
Residents assert that the violence arose from increasing frustration regarding the actions of illegal miners, whom they accuse of encroaching upon the community, damaging farmlands, and contaminating water sources.
Relatives of the deceased and one of the injured individuals have urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
They have also called upon the government and security agencies to restore peace within the community and take decisive measures to safeguard residents from the repercussions of illegal mining.
The spokesperson for the Darkokrom community, Doku Peter, in an interview with the media, alleged that the illegal miners have devastated cocoa, plantain, and cassava farms, jeopardizing the livelihoods of numerous residents.
He further claimed that the miners’ operations have severely polluted streams that previously served as the community’s primary source of drinking water, leaving residents with restricted access to safe water.
According to him, the miners have also left several uncovered pits in the vicinity, posing a significant risk to residents, especially children.
Mr. Peter appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other security agencies to take immediate action to cease the illegal mining activities and restore law and order in the community.
The police have not yet provided an official statement regarding the incident.
