Tensions have flared in Wisiwisi, a farming community in the Kwahu West Municipality, following a violent clash between residents and military personnel attached to Akroma Mining Company Limited.
The unrest stems from growing anger over alleged illegal mining activities by the company, which locals say are destroying farmlands and contaminating water sources.
On Wednesday, scores of residents took to the streets in protest, demanding an immediate halt to the company’s operations.
However, the peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when armed soldiers, believed to be working with the mining firm, confronted the protesters.
Eyewitnesses report that the soldiers, numbering about 20, physically assaulted several residents, leaving many injured.
Journalists covering the protest were also targeted, with their cameras and other equipment seized by the military personnel.
“The soldiers just stormed the area and started beating people.
Even the media people weren’t spared,” one resident recounted.
As of the latest reports, the soldiers remain stationed at the protest site, with tensions still high and residents fearing further violence.
Local leaders are calling on the government and security agencies to intervene immediately and investigate the alleged use of force by the soldiers, as well as the mining company’s operations in the area.
Source: Classfmonline.com
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