Assembly Member Shot Dead In Amansie West Youth, Security Clash

A vehicle belonging to Asanko Mines in flames

 

A tense standoff between agitated youth and security personnel in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region has left the Assembly Member for Aboabo, Samuel Danquah, dead and two others critically injured.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, followed violent confrontations at a mining concession near Mpatuam. Reports indicate that the youth had accused security operatives of Asanko Mines of killing a miner the previous day, a claim that ignited outrage within the community.

According to the Assembly Member for Mpatuam, Kwame Sakyi, the situation escalated after angry residents mounted roadblocks to protest what they described as “targeted killings of miners” by security operatives. In an attempt to disperse the demonstrators, armed military personnel allegedly opened fire on the crowd.

“During the confrontation, soldiers fired live bullets, hitting Hon. Samuel Danquah, who was later confirmed dead at the hospital. Two others also sustained serious injuries and are currently battling for their lives,” Mr. Sakyi recounted.

Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere in the community as chaotic and uncontrollable, with the youth chanting war songs and demanding justice for the slain miner and the Assembly Member. In retaliation, some residents reportedly set vehicles belonging to Asanko Mines ablaze, intensifying the already volatile situation.

Heightened Tensions in Mining Communities

The latest tragedy underscores the longstanding friction between mining companies and host communities in the Amansie enclave. Many residents have repeatedly accused mining firms and their security contractors of heavy-handedness and human rights abuses.

Civil society organisations and local leaders have, in recent months, called on government to address the growing mistrust between mining companies and indigenous communities. They argue that the lack of transparency in operations, coupled with inadequate community engagement, continues to fuel unrest.

Calls for Justice and Calm

Following the killing of Mr. Danquah, some community leaders and opinion leaders in Amansie West are urging the youth to remain calm while investigations are carried out. They have appealed to government to immediately intervene to prevent further bloodshed.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command is yet to release an official statement on the matter. However, security experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken to rebuild trust, such confrontations could spiral into wider conflicts, threatening lives and investments in the region.

As of Wednesday morning, security presence in Mpatuam and its surrounding communities have been significantly reinforced to forestall reprisal attacks, while families of the deceased Assembly Member and the injured victims are demanding swift justice.

The death of Mr. Danquah, a grassroots leader deeply involved in community development, has plunged Aboabo and the entire Amansie West District into mourning.

FROM David Afum, Amansie West

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