Tension erupted in Manso Mpatasie, a community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, following a heated clash between residents and unidentified National Security operatives accompanied by police officers on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
The confrontation, which occurred during a government-backed crackdown on illegal mining, left one person injured and receiving treatment at St Martin Catholic Hospital in Agroyesum.
The chaos unfolded when the security personnel stormed the area in search of excavators allegedly used in illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
However, the operation turned confrontational when officers attempted to seize excavators parked in residential compounds rather than at active mining sites, sparking outrage among residents and miners.
Speaking to the media, Kwaku Bobie, convener of the aggrieved residents, condemned the operation and accused the security team of acting unlawfully and unfairly.
“These machines were not found on any mining site. They were packed at people’s homes, yet the officers came in like a raid, treating everyone like criminals,” he said.
“We support the fight against galamsey, but it must be done with fairness and respect for the law.”
He added that the operation was carried out without any official notice or legal documentation, which heightened fears and unrest in the community.
The Assembly Member for Manso Mpatasie Electoral Area George Acheampong and some Youth in the community, expressed deep concern over the tactics employed by the security forces.
He warned that such aggressive and uncoordinated actions could undermine the government’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining.
“We cannot win the fight against illegal mining by attacking people in their homes. These heavy-handed tactics are counterproductive and only breed resistance,”
They used opportunity to appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to make youth employment a key focus in their development agenda, especially in mining communities like Manso Mpatasie.
“We want to work and earn a living. We appeal to President Mahama and the NDC to recognize the struggles of the youth and bring policies that support legal mining jobs, not harassment and persecution,” a youth leader emphasised.
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