In Abrokofe, a community situated in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region, security personnel employed by certain Chinese illegal miners opened fire, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old young man and the injury of two others.

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The victims, all members of the community, had ventured to the mining site on that day to engage in their work. Regrettably, Kofi King Arthur, one of the workers, was fatally shot in the chest and lost his life immediately.

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The two survivors, Joseph Tawiah and Albert Oppong, were wounded – Joseph in the thigh and Albert in the lower back.

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The injured individuals are presently receiving medical attention at St John of God Hospital in Sefwi Asafo.

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According to the community residents, access to the mining site is typically restricted, except on designated "Breaking Days" when the Chinese miners are not active. On these occasions, locals are allowed to enter the mine to search for gold.

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Tragically, on that fateful Wednesday, the security personnel at the site unexpectedly opened fire on the community members, leading to the fatality and injuries.

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Per reports aside from the Aowin Municipality and the Suaman District – both recognized as hubs for illegal mining – the Juaboso District in the Western North Region also experiences a significant presence of illegal mining activities, known as "Galamsey."

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Numerous areas such as Bonsu Nkwanta, Mintakrom, Yawgyem, Sefwi Juaboso, Boinzan, Abrokofe, Agyemangdiem, Mafia, and Sefwi Elluibo have seen illegal mining encroach even into people's living spaces, causing widespread destruction to valuable cocoa farms and fertile lands within the Juaboso District.

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In an interview with the media, the father of one of the victims and the unit committee chairman of Abrokofe, Mr. Barnabas Nketiah, shared that the injured victims were initially taken to Kofikrom-Proso Clinic before being transferred to Asafo for necessary medical treatment.

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