Alleged shooting by Chinese illegal miners has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man in Hiawa, Western Region.
The incident has led to protests among the local youth. According to reports, the victim was shot after being found on the premises of the Chinese miners in the early hours of Thursday, June 29.
While the purpose of his presence remains unclear, it is speculated that he intended to steal black sand containing raw gold from the miners.
“They fired multiple shots at him. They first shot his leg, he was not dead and started begging for mercy but they went ahead to shoot his head, back and chest. He was quickly rushed to the clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival,” a resident in the community narrated.
After committing the crime, the suspect fled the community. In response to the shooting incident, enraged youth took to the streets, protesting the death of the young man.
They targeted the residences of Chinese illegal miners in the community, seeking answers regarding their colleague’s death.
Reports suggest that properties belonging to the Chinese nationals were damaged during the protests. One protester expressed discontent, stating that the police are pursuing the protesters while protecting the Chinese miners who continue their operations.
The protesters allege that no efforts have been made by the district police to apprehend the security officer responsible for the shooting, instead leading to the arrest of some of the protesters.
“We were only protesting the death of our friend. We needed answers on why he was shot when he had not stolen anything as they claim. The police have instead been arresting the protesters. Some of our colleagues have been arrested and the police are on manhunt for the rest of us. So most of us are fleeing the community as I speak because we are afraid they will come after us. The Chinese illegal miners are still working with their macho men whilst we are fleeing,” one of the protesters, Nana Amoa, indicated.
Residents of the community have reported enduring years of torment due to the actions of Chinese illegal miners and their enforcers.
“The macho men have been parading the community with pump action guns without any fear. They have been protecting the Chinese illegal miners all day and night. They hold the pump action guns on the streets every day and nobody dare say anything to them,” another resident, Kwaku Takyi, indicated.
The assembly member of the community, Ebenezer Obimpeh, has said that the situation is now under control.
He confirmed that community members who were arrested during the protests have been released on bail after appearing in court.
Attempts to reach Mr. Patrick H. Amponteng, the Amenfi Central District Chief Executive, have been unsuccessful as calls and text messages to his mobile phone have gone unanswered.