By Samuel Ofori Boateng, GNA
Manso Domi Keniago (Ash), Nov. 13, GNA – Nana Obeng Mensah Ababio, Chief of Manso Domi Keniago in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, has appealed to the Government to ensure justice for seven people allegedly killed during an anti-illegal mining operation conducted by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in the community.
The victims were reportedly shot and killed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following a confrontation between some community members and security personnel undertaking anti-illegal mining operations in the area.
Several other persons sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment at various health facilities.
The incident has heightened tension within the Manso enclave, where confrontations between residents and security personnel over anti-galamsey operations have occurred repeatedly over the years.
A number of people have lost their lives in such clashes, while others have sustained injuries.
Addressing a news conference after the incident, Nana Mensah Ababio called for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, insisting that the bereaved families deserved justice.
He urged the Government to establish an independent committee to investigate the incident, ascertain the facts, and recommend appropriate measures to ensure accountability.
The chief stressed that his call for justice should not be interpreted as opposition to the Government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He said he neither supported illegal mining activities nor opposed measures aimed at curbing them, but was deeply concerned about the loss of lives in his community.
“I am not against the fight against galamsey, and I do not support illegal mining. I want justice for my people,” he said.
Nana Mensah Ababio reiterated his appeal for an independent investigation and urged the authorities to make the findings public to promote transparency and accountability.
He noted that the community deserved answers regarding the circumstances that led to the deaths and that the matter should not be allowed to pass without accountability.
The chief also expressed concern about reports regarding the treatment of journalists who covered the NAIMOS operation and questioned the circumstances under which they were handled during the exercise.
He called on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and provide clarity on the situation involving the media personnel.
Nana Mensah Ababio said concerns relating to both the deaths and the reported treatment of journalists must be addressed to restore public confidence and ensure justice for all affected persons.
He appealed to the Government and other relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to address the concerns of the community.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah / Christopher Arko/Lydia Kukua Asamoah