Five individuals sustained injuries during a confrontation between residents and illegal miners operating in the Afao Forest Reserve at Sehwi Nkatieso in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.
According to residents, the clash erupted when the community’s youth attempted to resist ongoing illegal mining activities in the forest reserve.
The injured were rushed to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Residents expressed deep concern over the detrimental impact of the galamsey operations on their environment and livelihoods.
They called on authorities to intervene urgently, emphasizing that the miners’ activities pose a significant threat to their safety and well-being.
In response, Alfred Obeng Boateng, the Member of Parliament for Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, assured the community that steps would be taken to address their concerns.
He promised to work closely with security agencies to remove all illegal mining equipment from the forest reserve and restore calm to the area.