A group of about 15 armed robbers has allegedly attacked the premises of Jia Xin Industrial Mining Company in Akyem Akokoaso, within the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency of the Eastern Region.
According to reports, five Chinese nationals were shot, with three currently in critical condition following the incident.
The perpetrators forced their way into the mining site during a social gathering at night, robbing victims of their belongings and bolting with about Ghc10,000 in cash along with two gold bars.
Tragically, one of the victims suffered a gunshot wound in a particularly sensitive area.
Appearing to be a well-planned and diligently executed attack, the robbers took deliberate steps to disable the site’s CCTV cameras by seizing their decoders.
“15 people executed the mission, tough guys. They didn’t pass through the Akokoaso Kade road. They took along the decoders for the CCTV cameras. They didn’t target other civilians. The company is licenced to do deep mining prospecting in the Akokoaso old shaft but is taking undue advantage to mine to that extent,” a witness mentioned during a media engagement.
Meanwhile, victims are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
This event has brought to light longstanding tensions between the mining company and the local community.
Over the years, residents have voiced grievances against Jia Xin Industrial, accusing them of engaging in illegal mining practices.
Concerns stem particularly from the company’s lack of proper licencing for extensive underground mining, which has reportedly had adverse effects on the area.
In 2018, Jia Xin Industrial inherited the prospecting licence from Ofosua Mining and Construction Company, a move approved by then-Minister John Peter Amewu.
However, recent confrontations between the company and local youth have intensified. Just three weeks prior to the robbery, 16 individuals from Akokoaso were arrested for illegal mining activities on the company’s concession, allegedly under the direction of Chinese authorities.
It’s worth noting that the mining company has been a frequent target of robbery attacks in recent times.