Two locals at Sekyere Krobo in Wassa East District of the Western Region have been hospitalised following a fierce confrontation between the town’s youth and a group of suspected illegal miners comprising Ghanaian and Chinese nationals in the area.
Reports reveal that the youth in the area mobilized to halt the miners’ operations and upon reaching the site, confronted the group of miners, who were using heavy equipment such as excavators on the Bonsa River.
Tension escalated when the miners resisted the youth’s attempt to stop their operations and apprehend them. This led to the Chinese miners opening fire on the youth, injuring two, who are receiving treatment at Ahmadiyya Hospital in Daboase.
There are allegations that the Chinese miners had received permission to mine on the Bonsa River from local chiefs who had initially invited the foreigners to the area.
The miners were reportedly arrested by the Wassa East District Assembly and police, but the matter is said to have been resolved by the chiefs, leading to friction between local authorities.
In response to the recent violence, the Wassa East District Police Command has apprehended the miners and investigations into the incident are underway.
The incident comes after the China government encouraged the government of Ghana to take legal action against any of its citizens who violate the country’s laws.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa during a press conference acknowledged that some Chinese nationals are involved in illegal mining and emphasised the Chinese government’s strong opposition to such activities.
“I know there are some Chinese involved in this illegal mining but we discourage them.We always request Chinese citizens here to do things legally, to do things according to laws and regulations and even traditional customs. I know there are some Chinese involved in illegal mining but we discourage them. Our president has told president Akufo-Addo to deal with any Chinese official who commits illegal sins in Ghana should be dealt with according to the law,” Mr. Tong stated.
Ambassador Tong Defa highlighted a 2018 agreement between President Akufo-Addo and the Chinese President, which established that any Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities in Ghana would be held accountable under local laws.