A suspect has been arrested following a violent attack at an illegal mining site in the Afao Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso, which left one person dead and several others injured.
According to the Western North Regional Police Command, the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Divisional Command received information on Monday, May 18, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m. that some people had attacked a mining site near Asawinso “A”. A police team led by the District Commander and the Divisional Crime Officer proceeded to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital, where victims of the incident were receiving treatment.
Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that Nana Kwesi Ayim III, Odikro of Asawinso “A”, together with some youth from the community, allegedly went to the area after receiving reports of illegal mining activities in the forest reserve. Upon arrival, they reportedly encountered individuals actively engaged in illegal mining.
The police said a misunderstanding broke out during the encounter, which escalated into a violent attack by a group of men armed with firearms and cutlasses against Nana Kwesi Ayim III and his team.
Five people sustained gunshot and cutlass wounds in the attack. One of the victims, identified as Kwame Ayisi, aged 38, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital. His body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, while the injured persons are said to be responding to treatment.
Police have since arrested one suspect, Isaac Badu, also known as Obede, who is alleged to have planned and executed the attack. He is currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. Authorities say efforts are underway to identify and arrest all other accomplices connected to the incident.
The Regional Police Command has cautioned the public against resorting to violence in resolving disputes and urged anyone with relevant information to volunteer it to the police. The Command also assured residents that the situation is under control, with adequate security measures in place to maintain law and order in the affected communities.
