The Western Central Regional Police Command says calm has been restored in Benso near Tarkwa after a violent incident on Sunday, June 7, which left two people injured, including one person with gunshot wounds.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, police said officers at the Benso Police Station received a report at about 8:20 p.m. that a 22-year-old man, Prosper Kwame Eshun, had allegedly been assaulted by forestry officials at a workers’ bungalow.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Eshun had parked his motorcycle near the bungalow while he went to make a purchase nearby.
However, upon his return, he reportedly found the motorbike had been moved and questioned three forestry officials at the scene. The exchange is said to have escalated into an argument before turning physical.
Police investigations further indicate that the motorcycle had allegedly been parked in front of the Forestry Commission office, obstructing access to the premises. Officials are said to have moved it into the compound after efforts to trace its owner proved unsuccessful.
However, tension reportedly flared when the owner returned and demanded the release of the motorbike. The disagreement is said to have escalated further after he later returned with a group of people.
Witnesses told investigators that the group stormed the Forestry Commission office, damaging vehicles and other property. Some storage facilities were also reportedly broken into, with confiscated mining equipment allegedly taken away during the chaos.
Police also confirmed that a second victim, identified as 43-year-old George Adu, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Both injured persons are currently receiving medical treatment.
The Western Central Regional Police Command says the situation is now under control and has assured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order as investigations continue.
Authorities say they are closely monitoring developments in the area while working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.