Residents and chiefs of Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti Region have taken to the streets to protest against military officers allegedly involved in extortion and killing in the area.

The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, was sparked by the death of a 20-year-old miner, Evans Alotey, who was chased into a galamsey pit by military men on Tuesday.

The protesters claim that the military personnel, deployed to the area to guard a government reclamation exercise, have been extorting money from illegal miners and killing some in the process.

The deceased, a second-year student at Okomfo Anokye SHS, could have been saved if the soldiers had not stopped rescuers from accessing the pit, according to the Assembly Member for the area, Nsiah Kesse.

Kesse described the situation as unacceptable, calling on authorities to take action against the military men.



The Chief of the area, Nana Kwakye Gyima Yeboah, who joined the protest, has appealed to the IGP and the Minister of the Interior to intervene and stop the harassment.

He warned that if the situation is left unchecked, the youth may take the law into their own hands.



Hundreds of residents participated in the protest, expressing their frustration and anger over the alleged actions of the military personnel.

The community is calling for justice and an end to the alleged extortion and violence.