The Western Regional Police Command has launched investigations into a fatal shooting incident at a mining company site at Adelekezu near Dadwen in the Axim District of the Western Region.

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 13, 2025, and led to the death of 13-year-old Pious Nkansah, aka Nkrumah and the destruction of several company properties.

Police who responded to the scene found two 4×4 SUV vehicles and two tipper trucks burnt. A pickup truck and a Toyota Land Cruiser were also damaged.

Some youth of the town allegedly carried out the destruction.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between some youth from Adelekezu and private security personnel at the mining site.

The youth were said to have attempted to invade the company’s concession.

During the confrontation, they allegedly tried to seize a pump-action gun from one of the security men. The security man resisted and fired a shot, hitting the boy.

The victim was rushed to the Axim Government Hospital for treatment, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The death of the boy reportedly enraged the youth, who went on a rampage at the mining site. They set company properties ablaze and threatened to lynch workers at the site.

The police team managed to rescue 11 workers during the chaos. Five suspects have since been arrested in connection with the incident.

They are Gyenyame Owusu, aged 38; Matthew Asamah, 24; Nana Yaw, 15; Yaw Opoku, 16; and Kojo Agyei, 21. They were arrested for causing harm and unlawful damage.

The Western Regional Police Command has appealed to residents of the community to remain calm and cooperate with investigations to ensure justice is served.

The police say investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Below is the police statement;