The Western North Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect following a violent attack at an illegal mining site in the Afoa Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso “A”, which left one person dead and five others injured.
A statement issued by the Western North Regional Police Command on May 19, 2026, said the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Divisional Command received information at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, that some individuals had attacked a mining site within the Afoa Hills Forest Reserve near Sefwi Asawinso “A”.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Nana Kwesi Ayim III, Odikro of Sefwi Asawinso “A”, together with some youth from the community, allegedly went to the area after receiving reports of illegal mining activities within the forest reserve.
Police said the group reportedly encountered individuals actively engaged in illegal mining upon arrival at the site.
During the encounter, a misunderstanding reportedly broke out, after which a group of men armed with firearms and cutlasses allegedly attacked Nana Kwesi Ayim III and his team.
Five people sustained varying degrees of gunshot and cutlass wounds during the attack.
One of the victims, identified as 38-year-old Kwame Ayisi, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Anhwiaso Community Hospital. His body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The injured victims are currently responding to treatment, according to police.
The Regional Police Command said one suspect, identified as Isaac Badu, also known as Obede, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police described the suspect as the alleged kingpin behind the attack and said he is currently in custody assisting with investigations.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices involved in the assault.
