A violent standoff erupted in Hwidiem, Brong Ahafo Region, after a joint military operation arrested two men suspected of engaging in illegal mining at Bronikrom.
The suspects, Zakaria and Kwame Alex, were caught with a cache of incriminating evidence, including a Range Rover, an unregistered RAV4, mobile phones, a pistol, and 21 rounds of ammunition.
The task force, comprising military personnel and NAIMOS officials, razed wooden structures belonging to the miners and destroyed mining equipment on site. However, the operation sparked outrage among residents, with approximately 600 people storming the Hwidiem Police Station, demanding the release of the suspects’ vehicles and the arrest of the soldiers involved.
The situation escalated rapidly, necessitating the deployment of additional security personnel to restore order and prevent further chaos.
NAIMOS Public Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandoff, defended the operation, citing credible intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area. He emphasized that the exercise was part of a nationwide crackdown on galamsey, aimed at protecting Ghana’s natural resources from destruction.
Godfred Sey @Ahotoronline.com