Residents of two communities in the Nzemah East District of the Western Region are fleeing their town following what they call police harassment and intimidation.

The police personnel were reportedly deployed in Telekubokazo and Anywoa on Monday following clashes between some youth and a mining firm known as Adamus.

The youth who are said to be opposed to the surface mining operations of the company, reportedly led a mob to attack staff and police personnel dispatched to guard the equipment of the mining firm.

The District Chief Executive for the area Joshua Kwaja-Ellimah told Joy News that the irate youth beat up the three police officers on guard and seized two AK 47 rifles.

One of the policemen is said to be in coma at the Axim government hospital.

Some 18 people, including two women who were arrested by police, have been remanded by the Sekondi High Court pending police investigations.

Eight others have also been declared wanted by the police who said they are doing all they can to arrest the suspects.

Journalist Kweku Owusu Peprah of Radio Maxx who visited the troubled area told Joy News police account of the situation sharply contrasts claims by residents and victims and situation on the ground.

He said a most common sight after the confusion was hordes of residents bearing huge luggage of personal properties heading for nearby towns, especially Nkroful for fear of further reprisals.

Per his assessment, it may take some real convincing to get the people to return to the now ‘ghost’ town.

The Deputy Western Regional Police Commander, Robert Mark Azu told Joy News’ Kwame Gyan that the residents’ account were exaggerated and faulted them for attacking the police and the mining officials.


(You can play the attached audio to listen to the Police Commander’s interview with Joy News’ Kwame Gyan.)