Three individuals are in critical condition following a violent dispute over illegal mining fees in Aboboye, a galamsey-prone community in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District, Central Region.
Reports indicate that six men from Tarkwa in the Western Region arrived at the mining site on Saturday, November 15, claiming they had been instructed by the Twifo Praso District NADMO Director, James Prah, to collect money from illegal miners. The group demanded GH₵20,000, but the miners offered only GH₵2,000, citing poor business that day. The disagreement quickly escalated into a violent clash, during which pumping machines and other mining equipment were set on fire.
Three of the men were seriously injured and rushed to a nearby hospital. They were later arrested by police, while the remaining three suspects escaped.
Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Chief Executive (DCE), Isaac Yawson, accused the NADMO Director and his associates of conducting unauthorized and illegal mining operations without approval from the District Security Council (DISEC). Yawson noted that James Prah had previously misled the Regional NADMO Directorate about the extent of illegal mining on the River Pra, prompting an official inspection that revealed discrepancies.
The DCE added that the Tarkwa team allegedly acted under the NADMO Director’s instructions, which led to the violent confrontation. The apprehended suspects claimed they were following orders from the District NADMO Director. Yawson condemned the actions as “highly irresponsible” and stated that James Prah would be summoned before DISEC to answer for his conduct.
When contacted, the District NADMO Director declined to comment, citing advice from political party officials.
