Police in the Western North Region have arrested a suspect in connection with a violent confrontation at an illegal mining site in the Afao Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso "A."

This incident resulted in one death and five injuries.

According to a post by the Ghana Police Service on X on May 19, 2026, the clash occurred on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The police reported that a group led by Nana Kwesi Ayim II, the Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso, along with some local youth, went to the forest reserve following reports of illegal mining activities in the area.

“The incident occurred on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a group led by Nana Kwesi Ayim II, Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso, and some youth from the community reportedly proceeded to the forest reserve following reports of illegal mining activities in the area,” the police statement read.

Upon arriving at the site, the group encountered individuals allegedly engaged in illegal mining. A misunderstanding broke out, during which armed assailants reportedly attacked the group with firearms and machetes.

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Five individuals sustained gunshot and machete wounds and were rushed to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital.

Sadly, one of the victims, 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has been taken to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

The police confirmed that the injured individuals are responding positively to treatment.

One suspect, Isaac Badu, also known as Obede, has been identified as the alleged kingpin behind the attack and is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other accomplices.

“The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations,” the statement said, adding that efforts are underway to identify and arrest other accomplices.

The Regional Police Command has urged the public to refrain from using violence to resolve disputes and encouraged anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.

The police also assured residents that the situation is under control, with sufficient security measures in place in the affected communities.

See the post below:

PRESS RELEASE:

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT FOLLOWING A VIOLENT ATTACK AT AN ILLEGAL MINING SITE IN SEFWI ASAWINSO " A " pic.twitter.com/tJgpQtCBf3

— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) May 19, 2026