Six suspects including three chinese nationals have been arrested by Police over alleged killing of the brother of the Chief of Gwira Ampansie, Nana Kojo Mansah, after he was sent to summon the mining company allegedly engaging in illegal mining.
Tension is escalating in the community located in Nzema East Municipality in the Western region following the shooting incident.
Sources say, the armed men allegedly brought into the community to provide security in alleged illegal mining site operated by a company identified as PRP have been marauding with brazen guns,firing indiscrimantely to intimidate and deter residents who protest their illegal activities.
The deceased, identified as Mensah Ango, 46, a Father of 11 with 3 wives was reportedly sent together with some linguists by the Chief to invite leaders of the mining company allegedly operating without the neccesary mining permits and documentations to the palace to respond to concerns raised by the people about their activities.
Unfortunately, the armed thugs protecting the mining company upon seeing the delegation, indiscriminately opened fire on them killing the Mensah Ago whiles the rest took cover and escaped.
The incident has since sparked anger among the youth of the community, who have threatened to set ablaze mining equipment and properties belonging to the illegal miners in retaliation for the killing.
Residents further alleged that the armed men have previously shot and killed about three other innocent persons in the community for openly opposing the illegal mining activities.
Speaking in an interview, the Chief of Gwira Ampansie Nana Kojo Mensah, expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the area and accused state authorities, particularly the District Chief Executive (DCE), of failing to act despite several complaints lodged against the mining company and the violent conduct of the armed men.
He further alleged that the illegal miners appear to be enjoying support from some state officials, making it difficult for the community to obtain justice.
Nana Kojo Mensah is therefore calling on the Government, especially the President of the Republic of Ghana and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), to urgently intervene and flush out the illegal mining company, PRP, from their community following the repeated attacks and killings of innocent residents.
Investigations further indicate that the mining site at the centre of the controversy is allegedly linked to a Canadian national identified only as Simon who is alleged to have strong connection with some officials in government.
He is being linked to mining site where Major Mahama was shot dead while providing security.
Responding to the incident, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, Hon. Herbert Kuah Dickson, confirmed that, six persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, including three Chinese nationals.
Hon. Herbert Kuah Dickson assured residents that the Assembly, together with the security agencies, will take the necessary measures to maintain peace, law, and order in the community.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
