Tension erupted in Manso Mpatasie, a mining community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, on Tuesday following a heated clash between residents and unidentified National Security operatives accompanied by police officers. The confrontation, which occurred during a government-backed crackdown on illegal mining, left one person injured and receiving treatment at St. Martin Catholic Hospital in Agroyesum.
The chaos unfolded when the security personnel stormed the area in search of excavators allegedly used in illegal small-scale mining—commonly known as galamsey. However, the operation turned confrontational when officers attempted to seize excavators parked in residential compounds rather than at active mining sites, sparking outrage among residents and miners.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Kwaku Bobie, convener of the aggrieved residents, condemned the operation and accused the security team of acting unlawfully and unfairly. “These machines were not found on any mining site. They were packed at people’s homes, yet the officers came in like a raid, treating everyone like criminals,” he said. “We support the fight against galamsey, but it must be done with fairness and respect for the law.”
According to residents, the operation was carried out without any official notice or legal documentation, which heightened fears and unrest in the community.
The Assembly Member for Manso Mpatasie, Hon. George Acheampong, expressed deep concern over the tactics employed by the security forces. He warned that such aggressive and uncoordinated actions could undermine the government’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining. “We cannot win the fight against illegal mining by attacking people in their homes. These heavy-handed tactics are counterproductive and only breed resistance,” Hon. Acheampong stated.
Amid the unrest, some youth took the opportunity to appeal to former President John Dramani Mahama and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to make youth employment a key focus in their development agenda, especially in mining communities like Manso Mpatasie. “We want to work and earn a living. We appeal to President Mahama and the NDC to recognize the struggles of the youth and bring policies that support legal mining jobs—not harassment and persecution,” a youth leader emphasized.
Calm has since been restored in the community, but tensions remain high as residents demand accountability and engagement from the relevant authorities. Community leaders are calling for transparent dialogue and respect for due process in future operations tied to the fight against illegal mining.
