Soldiers, Miners clash at Konongo

VIOLENT CLASHES between armed soldiers and some illegal miners, has reportedly left one miner dead and six others sustaining severe injuries.

The clashes, which happened on Wednesday and Thursday, has left in its wake tension, fear and panic at Patrensa near Konongo in the Asante Akyem Municipality.

The miners were said to be digging the ground in search of gold and in the process they trespassed into the concession of Oweri Mines on Wednesday morning.

Officials of the mining company quickly called the soldiers, who with support from the security details of Oweri Mines, reportedly, chased the illegal miners from the concession.

Eye witnesses accounts indicated that the soldiers and the Oweri Mines security personnel were returning to their base when they were attacked by the incensed miners.

The military personnel were said to have been ambushed by the mob, who threw stones of different sizes at the soldiers, resulting in damages to a military vehicle.

The soldiers where then left with no option that open fire in self defence and in the process one of the illegal miners, believed to be in his early 30’s, was shot dead instantly.

Six other miners also sustained injuries and they are currently on admission at a medical facility in the area, responding to treatment from health workers.

As at the time of filing the report, the police in the area have been able to restore calm and orderliness in Konongo and their nearby areas, especially Patrensa township.

The lands in Konongo and the surrounding communities are said to be rich in gold so a lot of illegal miners have migrated to that area in search of the precious mineral.

More often than not, the activities of these illegal miners have led to deadly clashes between them (miners) and the security agencies, which often result in deaths and injuries.