Police in the Western North Region have arrested a suspect in connection with a violent attack at an illegal mining site within the Afao Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso “A,” which resulted in one death and five injuries.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a group led by Nana Kwesi Ayim II, the Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso, and some local youth went to the forest reserve following reports of illegal mining activities.

Preliminary investigations indicate that upon arriving at the site, the group encountered individuals allegedly engaged in illegal mining. A misunderstanding ensued, during which armed men reportedly attacked the group using firearms and cutlasses.

Five persons sustained varying degrees of gunshot and cutlass wounds and were rushed to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital for medical treatment.

One of the victims, identified as 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, and his body has been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy. Police stated that the remaining injured victims are responding positively to treatment.

The police have arrested one suspect, Isaac Badu, also known as Obede, whom investigators describe as the alleged kingpin behind the attack.

The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest other accomplices connected to the incident.

The Regional Police Command has cautioned the public against resorting to violence to resolve disputes and urged individuals with relevant information to assist with the ongoing investigations.

Police further assured residents that the situation remains under control and that adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order in the affected communities.