The Municipal Chief Executive for Nzema East in the Western Region, Hebert Kuah Dickson, has condemned the recent shooting incident at the Gwira Ampansie mining site and called on licensed mining companies to employ professional security personnel to prevent violence at mining sites.

According to the MCE, rising tension and violent clashes at some mining concessions remain a major concern for the Assembly and stakeholders within the municipality.

He said the use of untrained security personnel and illegal armed groups at mining sites often escalates disputes into deadly confrontations.

Mr Dickson therefore urged all licensed mining companies operating in the municipality to engage trained and professional security officers capable of handling security matters lawfully without resorting to indiscriminate gunfire.

The MCE also rejected allegations by some traditional authorities that he had done little to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the area.

He described the claims as “bogus and misleading.”

According to him, the Assembly has been working closely with the Joseph Nelson and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to tackle illegal mining activities in the municipality.

He stated that several operations had already been conducted to remove illegal miners from water bodies and forest reserves.

Mr Dickson added that the fight against galamsey requires support from chiefs, residents, security agencies and other stakeholders.

He assured residents that the Assembly remains committed to protecting the environment and maintaining peace and security in the municipality.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service in the Western Region has arrested six suspects in connection with the death of a victim following the misunderstanding at the mining site.

Police say the main suspect remains at large, but efforts are ongoing to arrest the individual.