Residents of Manso Akwasiso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have staged a demonstration to protest the death of a 20-year-old senior high school student during a military operation against illegal mining activities in the area.
The deceased, Evans Alotey, a second-year student of Okomfo Anokye Senior High School, was reportedly confirmed dead on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after allegedly falling into a galamsey pit while fleeing from military personnel who had stormed the area during an anti-galamsey operation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the soldiers were supervising a land reclamation exercise at nearby Manso Nyankomase when they attempted to disperse suspected illegal miners. Residents alleged that live ammunition was fired during the operation, creating panic and forcing miners to flee for safety.
According to reports, Evans fell into a deep mining pit in the course of the chase. Colleague miners reportedly attempted to rescue him immediately but were unable to do so. They alleged that warning shots were fired by military personnel, preventing them from approaching the pit in time to save him.
The protest brought together angry youth, opinion leaders, the Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Nsiah Kesse, and the Chief of Akwasiso, Nana Kwakye Gyimah Yeboah II, all of whom demanded justice and called for an impartial investigation into the incident.
Addressing the demonstrators, Nana Kwakye Gyimah Yeboah II expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Evans’ death. He appealed to the government, the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister for the Interior, and the District Chief Executive for Amansie South, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, to intervene and restore calm in the community. The chief urged authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that military operations targeting illegal mining do not endanger innocent lives. He also called on the government to stop what he described as persistent harassment, extortion, and brutalities by military personnel in the area.
Hon. Nsiah Kesse, the Assembly Member for the area, confirmed the tragic incident and described it as deeply disturbing. He noted that residents and young men in the area could have assisted in saving Evans but were prevented from acting due to the circumstances created by the military operation. He further appealed to government and security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold any culpable parties accountable.
As part of their protest, residents blocked principal roads in Manso Akwasiso and burnt tyres to register their displeasure over what they described as rampant military harassment and extortion. Many demonstrators, dressed in red and black, carried placards and chanted slogans demanding justice for Evans Alotey.
While the protest remained largely peaceful, tension continues to simmer in the community as residents await an official response from the Ghana Armed Forces and other relevant authorities. Residents have appealed to the government to take urgent action to prevent further loss of life and to ensure that security operations in the area are conducted lawfully and safely, with due regard for human life.
