Tension has reportedly escalated at Manso Keniago in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region following an operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to seize an excavator, amid allegations that security personnel opened fire on residents, resulting in four deaths.

The incident reportedly occurred after NAIMOS personnel seized an excavator but allegedly refused to transport it on a low-bed trailer. Instead, the machine was driven along the community’s road on its own tyres, a development that reportedly raised concerns among residents and traditional authorities about possible damage to the road.

The community’s chief is said to have expressed concerns over the decision to drive the excavator on the road, warning that the heavy machinery could destroy the road infrastructure.

However, the situation allegedly escalated into gunfire, with reports indicating that four people from the community have died.

The circumstances surrounding the reported shootings, the identities of the deceased and the precise role of the NAIMOS personnel remain to be independently established.

Residents are expected to demand answers and accountability over the incident, particularly regarding the alleged use of firearms during the operation.

NAIMOS and the Ghana Police Service are yet to provide an official account of the reported shootings and deaths.