Two individuals were reportedly shot dead by police during a protest in Abosso, near Tarkwa, on Wednesday, December 31.
The protest, which was aimed at condemning the alleged handover of a gangway illegal mining (galamsey) site to Chinese food operators, turned deadly as tensions escalated between demonstrators and law enforcement.
According to local reports, the Western Central Regional Police Command in Tarkwa has yet to confirm the incident, but eyewitnesses have provided alarming details. Louis Afful, the Deputy NADMO Director for Prestea-Huni-Valley Municipality, confirmed the deaths of two people.
Afful, who was present at the scene, recounted witnessing the fatal shots fired by police officers during an attempt to disperse the crowd.
“This morning, a Police Patrol Squad arrived and fired warning shots. Sadly, two people lost their lives. The community has since blocked the road in protest,” Afful told Channel One TV.
The deceased have been transported to the Tarkwa Government Hospital morgue for further processing. Community members have reacted with anger and grief, blocking roads in response to the incident.
The protest was organized to express opposition to the government’s alleged actions regarding the illegal mining activities that have been ongoing in the region.
