About 22 people have been arrested by the Eastern Regional Police Command in connection with the clash between the police and illegal miners at Akyem Asamanma in the Atiwa District last Thursday that resulted in the death of two persons and injury to, at least, five others.
The suspects are currently in custody in Koforidua pending further investigations; a police official told the Daily Graphic yesterday.
Meanwhile, the death toll still remains two although the residents of Akyem Asamanma speculate that the number could be more and alleged that some of the persons were shot and dumped in the Birim River.
Three of the five victims who suffered gunshot wounds had been treated and discharged as of 3:00p.m. yesterday when the Daily Graphic visited the Enyresi Government Hospital, while two others were still on admission.
Tension
There was tension at Akyem Asamanma when the Daily Graphic visited the community yesterday with a number of young men and women in red armbands to symbolise their displeasure with last Thursday’s clash.
One of them, Tetteh Sename, said no amount of intimidation would prevent them from engaging in galamsey to stay in employment.
A police contingent, led by the Kwabeng District Police Commander, DSP John Yeboah, was in the town to maintain law and order.
The District Police Commander told the Daily Graphic that they were there to impress on the community members to remain calm, while investigation was being conducted into the matter.
DSP Yeboah said the police had, however, advised the youth to discontinue any activity, including mining, around the scene of the incident until further notice.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.
