Manso Keniago chief demands NAIMOS evidence after six die
The community claims the anti-illegal mining task force shot residents unprovoked, with some killed in their homes.
The Chief of Manso Keniago, Nana Obeng Mensah Ababio, has challenged the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to provide proof of an alleged attack that led to a reprisal shooting, killing six people and injuring others, including a toddler. The community claims the NAIMOS operatives fired sporadically without provocation, a stark contrast to the task force's assertions. Residents, many dressed in black and red, expressed grief and anger following the increased death toll.
According to the community, the shooting began after traditional authorities tried to stop NAIMOS operatives from tracking a confiscated excavator on a new road. Chief Mensah Ababio stated that some victims were shot inside their homes or while attempting to flee, presenting rifle pellets as evidence to the police. He also challenged NAIMOS to release drone footage, asserting that the community did not mobilize to attack the task force, and that the engagement was solely between chiefs.
The community disputes claims that operatives came under attack, calling untrue the photographs of a bullet-riddled vehicle. Angry youth, who reportedly prevented the District Chief Executive, Benjamin Marfo, from reaching the scene, are demanding an independent investigation. The Manso Adubia NDC has called for NAIMOS to be withdrawn pending the investigation's outcome.
Why it mattersSix people died and several others were injured in a clash between residents and an anti-illegal mining task force, prompting calls for an independent investigation.