The Western North Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a deadly attack at an illegal mining site within the Afao Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso “A” in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday, May 18, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., after authorities received reports that some individuals had attacked a mining site located in the forest reserve.
A police team led by the District Commander and the Divisional Crime Officer proceeded to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where victims of the attack were receiving treatment.
Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that Nana Kwesi Ayim III, Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso “A”, together with some youth from the community, allegedly went to the area following reports of ongoing illegal mining activities in the forest reserve.
Upon arriving at the site, the group reportedly encountered individuals actively engaged in illegal mining operations. Police say a misunderstanding subsequently broke out, leading to a violent confrontation.
The assailants, believed to have been armed with firearms and cutlasses, allegedly attacked Nana Kwesi Ayim III and his team, leaving five people with varying degrees of gunshot and cutlass wounds.
One of the victims, identified as 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital. His body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment and are said to be responding positively.
Police have since arrested one suspect, identified as Isaac Badu, also known as “Obede”, whom authorities describe as the alleged kingpin behind the attack.
According to the police, the suspect is currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices believed to have been involved in the incident.
The Western North Regional Police Command has cautioned the public against resorting to violence in resolving disputes and urged persons with relevant information to cooperate with investigators.
The Command further assured residents that the situation is under control, adding that adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order in the affected communities.
By 1960news.com
