Four individuals narrowly escaped with their lives after a gun attack at Banaso, a small mining community near Enchi in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North region.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 1, prompted a police investigation to determine the circumstances and reasons behind the shooting that left these four individuals injured.
According to sources from UTV News, an official from the NGO Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA) visited the Banaso community to conduct a survey on the academic performance of school children in the mining area.
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Upon discovering a significant number of absent students, the official decided to visit the children’s homes to investigate the reasons behind their absenteeism.
Hiring a tricycle, commonly known as ‘Pragya,’ the NGO official and their team embarked on their journey to the community.
However, they encountered an obstacle when they reached a small bridge that connected the community to the school. Unknown persons had removed the wood from the bridge, making it impassable.
As they waited to find a solution, a dispute erupted between some members of the community and Chinese illegal miners, along with their Ghanaian counterparts, over a mining site.
The situation escalated when the Chinese miners, fearing a robbery, allegedly ordered a security guard, known only as “Soldier,” to shoot.
In response to the order, the security guard indiscriminately fired shots in the direction of the ‘Pragya.’ Two female pupils, the tricycle driver, and the NGO official were hit by the bullets. In a bid to escape, community members fled the scene, with some diving into the nearby river for safety.
Below are some of the disheartening photos of the aftermath:
The injured individuals received first aid at a nearby health center before being transferred to the Enchi Government Hospital. From there, they were further referred to Asankragua Hospital, and eventually to Kumasi for pellet removal surgery.
As investigations continue, the police are actively seeking the security guard, “Soldier,” responsible for the shooting. It has been reported that he may have relocated to Apke Allah, another small mining community in the area.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the NGO official appears to have sustained a head injury from the gunshot. The incident has left the Banaso community in shock, and concerns are raised about the presence and actions of illegal miners in the area.
