Two individuals have sustained injuries after being shot during a violent clash between the youth of Sekyere Krobo and some Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in the area.

The two injured individuals sustained life-threatening injuries and are currently fighting for their lives at the Ahmadiyya Hospital in Daboase in the Wassa East District.

According to a report by UTV, monitored by GhanaWeb on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the destruction caused by illegal miners on the river prompted the local youth to take action and halt their activities.

The report indicates that upon reaching the site, the youth confronted the illegal miners, who were using excavators and other mining equipment on the river. The miners included both Chinese and Ghanaian nationals.

However, the incident escalated when the illegal miners tried to prevent the youth from stopping them to mine on the river and arresting them, thus opening fire on the charged youth, injuring two persons.

It is alleged that the Chinese illegal miners were granted permission to mine on the Bonsa River by the community chiefs, who initially brought the foreigners to the area.

They were initially arrested by the Wassa East District Assembly and the police, but it was reported that the chiefs intervened and settled the matter, leading to a rift between the authorities.

The illegal miners have since been arrested by the Wassa East District Police Command as investigations get underway.

The initiative by the youth was prompted by the devastating effects of galamsey on the Pra River and other smaller rivers in the district, as well as the destruction of the town and surrounding communities caused by illegal mining activities.

MAG/OGB