A Chinese national and his Ghanaian driver have been shot dead at an illegal mining (galamsey) site at Subri-Nkwanta in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.

The brutal shooting of the two, believed to be illegal miners, has sparked fear among residents of the small community.

Sources say the attackers opened fire without warning, killing both victims instantly before fleeing into the nearby forest.

Police say they are treating the incident as robbery for now, pending further investigations.

The locals say the two were returning from their gold mining site after taking the gold concentrate, commonly referred to as “black” when the assailants opened fire on them and made away with the catch.

Some residents also suspect it may be linked to rising tensions among rival illegal mining operators and disputes over land ownership.

Residents of Subri-Nkwanta say this is not the first time violence has erupted at galamsey sites in the area.

“We keep hearing gunshots every now and then. It’s becoming too dangerous to even live here,” one resident lamented.

Community leaders are calling on the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) and regional authorities to take immediate steps to restore law and order and increase security presence in the area.

There are also calls for the Ghana Police Service to expedite investigations into the incident.

Police are yet to identify the deceased. The command has been to the scene, and their bodies have since been conveyed to the morgue pending autopsy.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the deadly consequences of unregulated mining activities in the region.

The Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai area is noted for illegal mining with adverse consequences.