One killed, four arrested in anti-galamsey operation at Atiwa Forest
An exchange of gunfire between security operatives and suspected illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve has left one miner dead, another injured and four others in custody.
The incident happened during Operation GREEN SHIELD, when operatives of the Anti-Small-Scale Mining Operations Brigade (ASOB) moved about 10 kilometres deeper into the forest to a suspected illegal mining site identified through drone surveillance.
The operational account indicates that the team encountered approximately 50 suspected illegal miners at the site during a foot patrol conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Upon spotting the operatives, some of the miners reportedly fled, while others opened fire on the team, prompting the operatives to return fire.
The operatives 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.
