Tension is running high in Kyeremasu, a community in the Dormaa East District of the Bono Region, as residents protest what they describe as a string of killings linked to the fight against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Angry youth have taken to the streets, blocking major roads in a show of frustration and grief, while demanding justice for victims.
The unrest reflects growing anxiety in the area, where residents say the crackdown on illegal mining is increasingly turning violent and affecting innocent lives.
In an exclusive interview with Oheneba Yaw Jonathan of Gifts FM on Bigstuffmediagh.com, a community source said the latest outburst was triggered by the death of a young man identified as Kwabena, believed to be in his mid-20s.
According to the account, Kwabena was allegedly beaten and assaulted by a task force from Dormaa Central on suspicion of engaging in illegal mining but rather he is scavengers. Residents insist the accusation was false, they are artisanal re-miners for survival income. He reportedly died while being rushed to the hospital, and his body is currently at the Dormaa Ahenkro Mortuary.
Community members say the incident was reported to the Kyeremasu Police Station, but no concrete findings or updates have been made public, further deepening suspicion and anger among residents.
Attempts by local authorities to calm tensions appear to have fallen short.The Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Nana Agyemang Badu II, along with the District Chief Executive, Osei Owusu King, and Member of Parliament Rachel Amma Paul Apreku, reportedly engaged the youth, explaining that the deceased was involved in galamsey and that the crackdown was intended to curb illegal mining.
However, that explanation has been rejected by many in the community, who say it only intensified their anger and led to the ongoing protests.
Assembly Member Daniel Acquah also expressed concern over the situation, warning that tensions are escalating due to what he described as unlawful killings and false accusations against young people in the district.
He called on government to urgently intervene, urging authorities to focus on job creation, improved healthcare, and better roads, rather than what he sees as excessive force and mistreatment of the youth.
As the situation remains volatile, residents say they will continue to demand accountability and justice for those affected.