Wa East District, Upper West Region — A chilling incident has left the Wa East District reeling after a 23-year-old illegal miner, Alhassan Mohammed, survived a harrowing assault allegedly carried out by uniformed men believed to be military personnel.

The attack occurred around 2:00 p.m. yesterday at an illegal mining site. Mohammed and his colleagues were reportedly working when they spotted armed men approaching. Panic ensued as the miners fled in different directions, but Mohammed, who was still working underground, was unaware of the danger unfolding above.

“When I came out of the pit, the place was quiet. Everyone was gone,” Mohammed said. Moments later, he claimed, the assailants emerged from hiding and launched a brutal attack. “They beat me until I couldn't move.”

In a horrifying twist, Mohammed alleges that his attackers doused him with petrol and attempted to set him ablaze. “It felt like death was coming for me,” he recounted, visibly shaken.

He was later rescued by locals and is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.



The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from the community, with residents demanding an immediate investigation. Many accuse security personnel of abusing power and call for better oversight and transparency.

“This kind of lawlessness cannot continue,” said one local assembly member. “We need urgent dialogue between community leaders, government officials, and the security forces to prevent further bloodshed.”

The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ministry of National Security have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.