Tensions flared in the Amansie South District on Tuesday morning when a clash between residents of Manso Mpatasie and personnel from the National Security Task Force left one person injured.
The confrontation, which occurred during a national operation to clamp down on illegal mining (galamsey), was sparked by an attempt by security officers to track down excavators allegedly used in illegal mining operations. According to local accounts, the excavators were not found at active mining sites but rather parked at residential locations, raising questions among community members about the legality of the seizure.
The injured resident was rushed to the St. Martin Catholic Hospital in Agroyesum for treatment.
Mr. Kwaku Bobie, a youth leader and spokesperson for the aggrieved residents, described the operation as unjustified and provocative.
Assembly Member for the area, Hon. George Acheampong, echoed similar concerns, stating that such aggressive tactics by security personnel risk eroding the trust between the government and local communities.
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Some youth in the community also used the occasion to call on President John Mahama and the NDC government to consider the welfare of the youth by creating sustainable job opportunities in the mining sector.
The incident is the latest in a series of tensions between local residents and state security forces, highlighting the broader national challenge of balancing the fight against illegal mining with the economic realities of mining communities.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Sofoba Kwame Afrifah
