A violent confrontation at Dormaa-Akwamu, a suburb of Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region, has left one person dead following a deadly shooting linked to an alleged self-styled anti-galamsey task force. The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the community, prompting widespread calls for justice and a thorough investigation.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the incident began when a man identified only as Prince, who claimed to be leading a task force against illegal mining activities, arrived in the area accompanied by another individual known as Bright, said to be the bodyguard of the Paramount Chief of Dormaa. The pair reportedly stormed Dormaa-Akwamu Street, near Dormaa Akontanim, in an attempt to arrest illegal miners operating within the locality.
Eyewitnesses recount that before any confrontation ensued, Prince allegedly declared openly that he had been “authorised by the Dormaahene” — the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area — to shoot and kill anyone engaged in galamsey (illegal mining) activities. This shocking declaration reportedly unsettled residents and miners alike, creating confusion and panic.
Moments later, chaos erupted when Prince, without provocation, allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired at close range, fatally striking one of the miners. The unidentified victim reportedly died instantly on the scene. Terrified miners and bystanders fled for safety as the self-styled task force continued to threaten anyone attempting to approach.
Sources close to the investigation have alleged that Prince recently gifted a V8 vehicle to the Paramount Chief of Dormaa during his birthday celebrations, a gesture that has fueled speculation about a possible connection between the chief and the task force’s activities. The development has deepened public concern and led to mounting calls for the traditional authority to clarify its role, if any, in the operations of the group.
Community members further allege that Prince himself has a long-standing history of involvement in illegal mining and violent confrontations. He is also said to be working with a Chinese company engaged in unlawful mining operations within the region. Residents describe him as a man who often acts above the law, using his alleged links to traditional authority to intimidate others and enforce his own brand of justice.
The Dormaa Divisional Police Command has since taken custody of the deceased’s body for preservation and autopsy as investigations continue. Police sources confirmed that they are aware of the identities of the two men allegedly involved in the shooting — Prince and Bright — but no arrests have been made as of Thursday morning. Officers, however, assured the public that the matter is under active investigation and that justice will be served.
Meanwhile, the incident has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation across Dormaa and beyond. Community members, youth groups, and local opinion leaders have demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the shooting. Many are also calling for the Paramount Chief of Dormaa to publicly respond to the allegations of his supposed authorization of the self-styled task force’s violent actions.
“This is not the kind of justice we want in our community,” said one angry resident. “If there are illegal miners, the police should handle it—not individuals who take the law into their own hands and kill people in broad daylight.”
Civil society organizations in the Bono Region have also urged the government to intervene swiftly, warning that failure to bring the perpetrators to justice could spark further unrest and undermine efforts to curb illegal mining peacefully.
As of now, the Dormaahene has not issued any public statement regarding the shooting, leaving the community anxiously awaiting clarity on his alleged involvement or authorization of the task force.
The Dormaa-Akwamu killing underscores the growing tension between local anti-galamsey efforts and the unlawful, often violent tactics employed by unregulated vigilante groups. It also highlights the urgent need for law enforcement and traditional authorities to coordinate legal, transparent, and humane approaches to addressing illegal mining — a menace that continues to threaten the environment and social stability across Ghana.
Police have assured residents that investigations will be pursued to their logical conclusion to ensure that justice is served, and those responsible for the Dormaa-Akwamu shooting are held fully accountable.
