Police have arrested six suspects, including three Chinese nationals, in connection with the killing of the brother of the Chief of Gwira Ampansie in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
The incident has heightened tension in the community after the deceased, identified as 46-year-old Mensah Ango, was allegedly shot dead by armed men linked to a mining company accused of engaging in illegal mining activities.
According to sources, the armed men were brought into the community to provide security at a mining site allegedly operated by a company identified as PRP.
Residents claim the armed guards have been intimidating community members with guns and firing indiscriminately to silence opposition to the mining activities.
Reports indicate that the deceased, a father of 11 with three wives, was sent by the chief alongside some linguists to invite leaders of the mining company to the palace over concerns about their operations and alleged lack of mining permits.
However, upon arriving at the site, the armed men allegedly opened fire on the delegation, killing Mensah Ango while the others managed to escape.
The killing has triggered anger among the youth in the community, with some threatening to burn mining equipment and properties belonging to the miners in retaliation.
Residents also alleged that the armed men have previously killed about three other people in the community for opposing the illegal mining activities.
Speaking in an interview, the Chief of Gwira Ampansie, Nana Kojo Mensah, expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area.
He accused state authorities, particularly the District Chief Executive (DCE), of failing to act despite several complaints against the mining company and the activities of the armed men.
The chief further alleged that the illegal miners appear to have support from some state officials, making it difficult for the community to get justice.
Nana Kojo Mensah has therefore appealed to the government, President John Dramani Mahama, and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to intervene and remove the mining company from the community.
Investigations also suggest that the mining site is allegedly linked to a Canadian national identified only as Simon, who is said to have connections with some government officials.
The individual is also reportedly linked to the mining site where Major Mahama was killed while on security duty.
Confirming the incident, the Municipal Chief Executive for Nzema East, Herbert Kuah Dickson, said six people, including three Chinese nationals, have been arrested to assist with investigations.
He assured residents that the assembly and security agencies are taking steps to maintain peace and order in the community.
