The Western Regional Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into a violent incident that culminated in the death of a 13-year-old boy at a mining site in Adelekezu, a community near Dadwen in the Axim District of the Western Region.
The tragic event unfolded on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at a mining concession operating on the outskirts of the town.
According to preliminary police findings, tensions had been brewing for some time between sections of the youth in Adelekezu and the private security personnel assigned to guard the mining company’s property.
Community sources indicate that disagreements over access to the land and mining activities had created an atmosphere of mistrust and frustration among the youth.
On the day of the incident, a group of young people allegedly attempted to force their way onto the company’s concession. This action reportedly led to a confrontation with the private security officers on duty.
During the heated exchange, some of the youths are said to have tried to overpower one of the guards and seize his pump-action firearm.
In the struggle that followed, the security officer allegedly fired a shot, which struck 13-year-old Pious Nkansah, popularly known in the community as “Nkrumah.”
The injured boy was immediately transported to the Axim Government Hospital for emergency medical attention. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival, sending shockwaves through the community.
News of the boy’s death sparked outrage among the youth, who reportedly returned to the mining site in anger. In the chaos that followed, several company properties were vandalized and set on fire.
When police officers later arrived at the scene, they found two four-wheel-drive SUV vehicles and two tipper trucks completely burnt. A pickup truck and a Toyota Land Cruiser were also partially damaged. The situation became so volatile that some workers at the site were threatened with lynching.
A swift police intervention prevented further loss of life. Officers managed to rescue 11 workers who had been trapped at the site during the unrest. Calm was eventually restored, although the destruction left behind significant damage.
In connection with the incident, the police have arrested five suspects for causing harm and unlawfully destroying property. Those in custody have been identified as Gyenyame Owusu, 38; Matthew Asamah, 24; Kojo Agyei, 21; and two juveniles, Nana Yaw, 15, and Yaw Opoku, 16.
The Western Regional Police Command has called on residents of Adelekezu and surrounding communities to remain calm and refrain from acts that could escalate tensions. The Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all parties involved will be given a fair hearing to ensure justice is duly served.