A routine site preparation for a new quarry project turned fatal on Monday when unknown gunmen opened fire on a crew working within the Awutu Kwame Whettey Forest in the Awutu Senya West District.

The ambush claimed the life of Gausu Yusif, a 25-year-old excavator driver, while his colleague, Charles Essuman, remains in critical condition at a medical facility.

Adom TV’s Central Regional Correspondent Kofi Adjei reported that the incident occurred while the two men were using heavy machinery to pave an access route into the forest.

Their objective was to reach a specific rock formation to take samples for a proposed stone quarry investment.

According to reports from the Awutu Bereku District Police, the victims were blindsided by assailants on a motorbike. The gunmen reportedly opened fire without provocation before fleeing into the dense foliage of the Central Region forest.

Awutu Bereku District Commander, Superintendent Edmond Nyamekye, confirmed the shooting to the press, stating that the command has launched a full-scale investigation to track down the killers.

The land in question had recently been earmarked for development by local traditional leaders.

Nai Kojo Nam-Quaye, the Chief of Awutu Aberful, who had personally facilitated the rock sampling for a group of Chinese investors, expressed deep shock over the incident.

In a formal appeal to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Chief demanded a thorough probe to ensure the security of investors and workers in the area.

While no arrests have been made, investigators are looking into potential land-use disputes or territorial conflicts that may have triggered the attack.

The body of Gausu Yusif has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while security remains tightened in the Awutu Bereku vicinity.