- Denkyembour DCE, Umar Ahmed, attacked by mob during visit to Akyem Wenchi
- Incident follows galamsey pit collapse that killed at least 4 people
- Police fired warning shots to rescue the DCE from the agitated crowd
Swift action by police officers saved Denkyembour District Chief Executive (DCE), Umar Ahmed, from being attacked by a furious mob in Akyem Wenchi, Eastern Region.
The incident occurred during the DCE’s visit to the community following the collapse of a galamsey (illegal mining) pit, which claimed the lives of at least four individuals, with more feared trapped.
According to eyewitness Ibrahim Sanny, the DCE was heading towards Akwatia around 6:40 p.m. when he was ambushed by agitated residents. Police had to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd and safely escort Mr. Umar from the scene.
Reports indicate that after several failed rescue attempts, Mr. Umar decided to leave the site. On his way out, he came across two excavators and requested assistance from locals to move the equipment to aid in the ongoing rescue operation.
However, this action was allegedly misinterpreted by the residents as an attempt to seize the machinery, sparking outrage.
In retaliation, the crowd blocked the road and threw stones at the DCE, forcing him to run for cover and retreat to his vehicle under police protection.
