Two police officers were injured and four individuals — including a local assemblyman — were arrested following a violent clash between illegal miners and members of the Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force on Tuesday, August 13, in Bonteso, Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred during a routine patrol by the task force, which intercepted an excavator being used for illegal mining operations. As officers attempted to load the equipment onto a truck, tensions flared, allegedly fueled by the area’s Assembly Member, Patrick Asare.
According to police reports, a group of illegal miners began hurling stones and other objects at the officers, vowing to resist the removal of the excavator. The confrontation escalated when two individuals in the crowd were seen brandishing and firing pump-action shotguns in an attempt to intimidate the task force.
In the chaos that followed, two officers — ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao — sustained injuries to the head, mouth, and leg.
The situation deteriorated further as the miners blocked all exit routes, effectively trapping the task force on site. Facing live fire, the officers responded with what they described as “appropriate force” to secure their safe evacuation.
Despite the hostility, authorities managed to arrest four suspects: Akwasi Amponsah, Osei Vasco, Patrick Asare (Assembly Member), and Alexander Owusu. One excavator was seized and transported to the Manso Adubia Police Station.
A second excavator, however, had to be left behind due to the heightened threat level and safety concerns.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be transferred to Accra for further investigation and prosecution.
