The death toll from the confrontation between residents of Manso Keniago in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region and personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has risen to six, with 15 others injured.
The clash reportedly erupted over disagreements surrounding the transportation of excavators seized by the anti-illegal mining task force.
Some residents and traditional authorities opposed plans to drive the equipment through the community on a tarred road, insisting that low-bed trailers should be used.
Domi-Keniago Chief, Nana Obeng Mensah Ababio II, has called for justice for those killed and demanded accountability over the incident. The circumstances surrounding the shootings, however, remain disputed, with NAIMOS and residents offering conflicting accounts.
NAIMOS said its personnel encountered an armed group attempting to obstruct the movement of the excavators and fired warning shots, during which two officers sustained gunshot wounds.
Residents and traditional authorities have challenged the Secretariat’s account, insisting the excavator was not seized from Manso Keniago but was being transported through the community. The claims have yet to be independently established.