A shooting incident involving suspected illegal miners at Asawinso “A” in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality has left one person dead and seven others, including a local chief, injured.

The attack occurred in the Afao Hill Forest Reserve when Nana Kwasi Ayim II, the chief of Sefwi Asawinso “A,” led a group of local youth to assess the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities in the area.

The Incident

According to eyewitness Kwame Awudu, the chief engaged the miners peacefully and asked them to halt their operations.

However, as the delegation was leaving the site, they were ambushed by heavily built men allegedly linked to the illegal miners, who opened fire on the group.

Casualties and Current Status - Deceased: Kwame Ayisi, 36, was shot and killed during the attack. - Injured: Nana Kwasi Ayim II and six youth members sustained serious gunshot wounds.

Frank Nelson Ackah, the Assembly Member for the Asawinso “A” Electoral Area, confirmed the details of the ambush, reiterating that the group's sole intention was to inspect the forest reserve.

The survivors are currently receiving treatment at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital.