A manhunt is underway in the Eastern Region for an individual named Danso, who serves as a youth leader and works as a miner in Asamang Tamfoe, Atewa East District.
He is the prime suspect in the shooting of Major Patrick Don-Chebe, the Commanding Officer of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners Taskforce.
According to sources from Citi News, Danso, along with his accomplice Joe, who is also a miner, visited a mining site in Asamang Tamfoe.
The taskforce, acting on intelligence, had arrived at the site to crack down on illegal mining activities.
The intention was to prevent these individuals from being apprehended.
Joe was visibly armed when they approached the taskforce.
However, members of the task force managed to disarm him.
In a shocking turn of events, Danso, concealing a pistol under his shirt, unexpectedly shot Patrick Don-Chebe at close range, hitting him in the ribs. Following this, Danso and Joe fled the scene as the task force rushed to assist their injured commander.
Patrick Don-Chebe was swiftly transported to the Kibi government hospital for initial treatment, but medical professionals there subsequently referred him to the 37 Military Hospital in an ambulance.
He underwent immediate surgery.
Local law enforcement officers were notified of the incident and were successful in apprehending Joe, but Danso remains at large.
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, Godwin Armah, confirmed the incident and urged the Inspector General of Police, George Akufo-Dampare, and local authorities to expedite their investigations to locate and arrest the suspect.
As of the latest information available, the Commanding Officer of the Taskforce, Patrick Don-Chebe, continues to receive medical care at the 37 Military Hospital.