- Assembly Member Samuel Danquah allegedly shot by military personnel
- Violence erupted after locals accused mine security of killing a miner
- Residents blocked roads; military opened fire during standoff
One person has been confirmed dead, and two others are receiving medical treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds during a violent clash between the military and some residents of Mpatuam in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.
The deceased, identified as Samuel Danquah, Assembly Member for Aboabo, reportedly died at the hospital after allegedly being shot by soldiers during a confrontation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, following tensions between local youth and military personnel at a mining site in the area.
According to the Assembly Member for Mpatuam, Kwame Sakyi, the clash was sparked after residents accused security personnel at Asanko Mines of fatally shooting a miner the previous day. In protest, they blocked roads leading to the community, escalating tensions and prompting a confrontation with the military.
“During the scuffle, armed soldiers opened fire, and a stray bullet from the sporadic gunshots allegedly struck the Assembly Member, injuring him along with two others,” Sakyi explained.
Reports indicate the confrontation was triggered by the alleged killing of an unidentified man at the mining site, whose family later rejected his body, further fueling tensions. Assemblyman Danquah reportedly intervened in an attempt to mediate between the grieving family and company officials, but was fatally shot in the process.
Eyewitnesses say he was hit multiple times. His body was later deposited at the Mother of God Clinic in Esaase Bontefufuo, where distraught residents from both Aboabo and Mpatuam gathered in protest, chanting, mourning, and vowing retaliation.
A staff member at the clinic noted that military and private security forces are often deployed at the mining concession to deter illegal mining activities.
“Sometimes, locals search through debris for traces of gold. The military believed the unidentified man was doing just that before he was killed. Sadly, the Assemblyman, who was trying to ease tensions, lost his life,” the staff member stated.
The Assemblyman’s brother insisted he was not engaged in illegal mining.
“My brother was an elected official. He only stepped in to help calm things down amid growing agitation, and they shot him. We are demanding justice,” he said.
In the aftermath, angry youth reportedly set fire to vehicles and other property belonging to the mining company. Kwame Sakyi, who witnessed the events, described the situation as chaotic, with residents calling for accountability and justice for their fallen community leader.
