Brutal anti-galamsey operations at Bonteso – DCE calls for calm

Mr Prince Manu Morison, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie West, has asked the chiefs and people of Bonteso to remain calm as investigations continue in the brutal attack on them by the IGP’s special anti-galamsey taskforce.

He has also asked security personnel engaged in the operations to prioritize human dignity and community welfare in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking to journalists on the attack of the community by the anti-galamsey taskforce on Wednesday, Mr Morison denied allegations by the Special Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force that the residents were engaged in galamsey activities.

“It is not true that my people, the good people of Bonteso are involved in any illegal mining operations,” he stated.

Tension escalated in the community after a violent security operation by the IGP Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force left four people shot and three others, including the assembly member for the community, Mr Patrick Asare, arrested by the taskforce.

Eyewitnesses recounted that a heavily armed team stormed the Bonteso Electoral Area without prior notice on Wednesday evening, opening fire indiscriminately.

Residents, caught off guard, fled in panic as gunshots echoed through the community.

Security personnel reportedly claimed the raid was part of an anti-illegal mining operation, alleging that the community was complicit in galamsey activities.

However, the people strongly rejected these accusations, describing the operation as unprovoked and targeting innocent civilians.

During the chaos, four people sustained gunshot wounds, with three in critical condition receiving treatment at a local health facility.

Witnesses say the force used was excessive and unnecessary.

Mr Patrick Asare, assembly member for Bonteso, Gyeniso, Akaniase Electoral Area and two others, were taken into custody, a move that has sparked outrage among residents.

They insisted that the assembly member was innocent and was not involved in illegal mining, describing his arrest as politically motivated and deeply unjust.

According to the people, the assembly member and the others, were arrested after he approached the task force to question why they had deliberately shot at the electricity transformer supplying power to the entire community.

The community is now demanding the immediate release of all detainees and an independent investigation into the actions of the task force.

Local leaders warn they would resist any further unlawful attempts to intimidate residents in their own homes.

The incident has left Manso Bonteso on edge, with fears of renewed unrest if authorities fail to address the matter swiftly.

Source: GNA

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