In a shocking incident that unfolded at Banaso, a small mining community near Enchi in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North region, four individuals were left injured in a gun attack.
The incident took place on Tuesday, August 1, and has since caught the attention of authorities who are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to reports from UTV News, the attack occurred when an official from Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA), an NGO, visited Banaso to conduct a survey on the performance of school children in the mining areas.
The NGO official noticed the absence of many students from school and decided to visit their homes to investigate the reason behind their absenteeism.
Accompanied by a tricycle driver, the NGO official encountered an unexpected hurdle on their way to the community.
A small bridge that connected the area to the school was found missing, making it impossible to cross.
During this time, tensions escalated between members of the community, who were involved in mining, and Chinese galamseyers along with their Ghanaian counterparts over a mining site.
Amid the rising tension, the Chinese illegal miners, fearing an attempt to steal their 'Black Gold', allegedly ordered a security guide known as "Soldier" to open fire.
Indiscriminate shooting ensued, resulting in two female pupils, the tricycle driver, and the NGO official being struck by bullets.
The injured victims were promptly rushed to a nearby health center for first aid and later transferred to the Enchi Government Hospital.
From there, they were referred to the Asankragua Hospital and, subsequently, to Kumasi for the removal of pellets.
As investigations continue, the police are now on the hunt for the security guard, "Soldier," responsible for the shooting.
Witnesses claim that he is a feared figure in the Bonsaso community but has recently relocated to Apke Allah, a nearby mining area.
This shocking incident has raised concerns over safety in mining communities and the involvement of foreign miners in illegal activities.
Authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure such acts of violence do not repeat in the future.
