Tension is mounting at Gwira Ampansie in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region following the alleged shooting of the biological brother of the chief of the community, Nana Kojo Mensah, by suspected armed men linked to illegal mining activities in the area.

According to information gathered, the armed men were allegedly brought into the community to provide security for an illegal mining site being operated by a company identified as PRP.

Residents claim the armed men have been firing gunshots indiscriminately to intimidate community members opposed to the illegal mining operations.

The deceased, identified as 46-year-old Mensah Ango, was reportedly sent by the chief together with some linguists to invite leaders of the mining company to the palace over concerns surrounding the alleged illegal activities on the community’s land.

However, during the process, the armed men allegedly opened fire on him, leading to his death.

The incident has sparked anger among the youth in the community, with some threatening to set ablaze mining equipment and properties belonging to the illegal miners in retaliation.

Residents further alleged that the armed men had previously shot and killed about three other persons in the community for openly opposing the illegal mining activities.

Speaking in an interview, the Chief of Gwira Ampansie, Nana Kojo Mensah, expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the area and accused state authorities, particularly the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), of failing to act despite several complaints lodged against the mining company and the conduct of the armed men.

He further alleged that the illegal miners appear to be enjoying support from some state officials, making it difficult for the community to obtain justice.

Nana Kojo Mensah is therefore calling on the government, particularly President John Dramani Mahama and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), to intervene urgently and remove the illegal mining company from the community.

The chief said life had become unbearable for residents, most of whom are poor and powerless, making it difficult for their grievances to receive the needed attention from authorities.

According to him, the continuous inaction by authorities has emboldened the illegal miners to operate with impunity, leaving residents living in constant fear and insecurity.

He appealed for immediate intervention to restore peace and safety in the community.

Responding to the incident, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, Herbert Kuah Dickson, confirmed that he had been informed about the development and had directed the police to take immediate action.

According to the MCE, six persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, including three foreign nationals.

Mr Kuah Dickson assured residents that the Assembly, together with the security agencies, would take the necessary steps to maintain peace, law and order in the community.