Five individuals are reportedly in critical condition following a violent clash between residents of Manso Bonteso in the Ashanti Region and the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s special anti-illegal mining task force.

The incident occurred on August 13 after the task force confiscated an excavator parked in the community. According to reports, a group of locals, allegedly led by the assembly member, attacked the officers with stones in an attempt to stop them from leaving with the seized equipment.

Despite warning shots fired by the police to disperse the crowd, the confrontation escalated, leaving five people with gunshot wounds. The injured are currently receiving treatment at several hospitals, including Nkawie Government Hospital.

During the clash, the task force leader, ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao, also sustained injuries. The officers managed to arrest the assembly member, Patrick Asare, along with two others—Osei Vasco and Akwesi Amponsah.

After firing additional warning shots and making arrests, the police regained control, dispersed the crowd, and moved the seized excavator to Manso Adubia Police Station. A second excavator was left behind due to the tense situation.

Some residents, speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi on August 14, argued that one of the excavators was unfairly targeted since it was parked at a private residence and not at an active mining site. They condemned the security personnel’s actions as unlawful and expressed frustration over recent crackdowns on small-scale miners in the area.

They warned that such confrontations, especially in residential areas, could hinder government efforts to curb illegal mining. Some youths also appealed for better job opportunities in the mining sector to reduce reliance on illegal activities.

The Amansie West District Chief Executive, Hon. Manu Prince Maurice, confirmed the arrests and hospitalizations. He acknowledged that one excavator was parked at a home and questioned the necessity of the task force’s intervention.

He urged calm following the clash and assured that the District Security Council was working to maintain order. He pledged to collaborate with local leaders to address the issue and prevent future incidents, advising the youth to comply with the law.