At least four people, including a mother of seven, have sustained injuries following a violent confrontation between youth in Akyem Saaman and alleged military personnel guarding Kibi Goldfields Mining Company in the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 27, 2025, when tensions flared over the company’s alleged diversion and illegal mining of River Akusu, a key water source for the community.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation turned chaotic after the youth blocked a road to prevent the arrest and removal of some residents by the security team. In an attempt to disperse the protesting crowd, the alleged military personnel reportedly fired warning shots.
Tragically, Janet Koh, a mother of seven who was roasting corn at the roadside during the incident, was struck by a stray bullet. She was quickly rushed to a nearby health facility and remains hospitalized.
Three other individuals also sustained varying degrees of injuries from the assault and are receiving treatment.
The community has expressed outrage over the use of force, with angry residents taking to the streets on Sunday to demand accountability and justice for the victims.
The clash is the latest in a series of confrontations between the residents of Akyem Saaman and Kibi Goldfields Mining Company. Locals accuse the company of mining in the Akusu River under the guise of dredging—an action they say threatens their environment and livelihoods.
On the day of the incident, the youth allegedly stormed the mining site and chased out excavator operators.
Subsequently ,the military stormed the community to arrest some of the youth this angered the community to mount roadblock that led to the violent encounter with the security team.
The Chief of Akyem Saaman, Barima Dr. Ofori Nyarko Tetepo, confirmed that he had earlier requested the company to dredge the river but later issued a directive for the activity to stop after receiving reports of illegal mining.
While he condemned the youth for taking the law into their own hands, he also criticized the management of Kibi Goldfields for failing to engage the community to resolve longstanding grievances.
Hon. Sunny Hans, Assembly Member for Akyem Juaso and Chairman of the Environmental and Mining Sub-Committee, said the incident is a result of decades of unresolved tension.
He disclosed that petitions have been submitted to question the integrity of the company’s operations, and urged the authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into the injuries and circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
