An exchange of gunfire between security operatives and suspected illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve has left one person dead, another injured and four others in custody.
The incident occurred during Operation GREEN SHIELD, when operatives of the Anti-Small-Scale Mining Operations Brigade (ASOB) moved about 10 kilometres into the forest to a suspected illegal mining site identified through drone surveillance.
According to the operational account, the team encountered approximately 50 suspected illegal miners during a foot patrol conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Upon spotting the security operatives, some of the miners reportedly fled, while others opened fire on the team, prompting the operatives to return fire.
One suspected miner was killed in the exchange, while another sustained injuries.
The four arrested suspects comprise three Malian nationals and one Ghanaian.
Weapons recovered
The security team recovered two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition at the scene.
The injured suspect was given first aid before being transported to the Kyebi Government Hospital for further treatment.
The four arrested individuals have since been handed over to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further action.
The operation ended without any casualties among the security personnel.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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