A violent confrontation between residents of Darkokrom and suspected illegal miners, popularly known as galamseyers, has left one person dead and several others with gunshot injuries, escalating tensions in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region.

The deceased, identified as 34-year-old farmer Edwine Atteh Djaba, was allegedly beaten to death during the incident.

A 76-year-old resident, Samuel Nartay Dapaah, and several others also sustained gunshot wounds.

Residents claim the violence stemmed from growing frustration over the activities of illegal miners, whom they accuse of invading the community, destroying farmlands and polluting water bodies.

Relatives of the deceased and one of the injured victims have appealed to the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

They also called on government and security agencies to restore peace in the community and take decisive steps to protect residents from the impact of illegal mining.

The spokesperson for the Darkokrom community, Doku Peter, in an interview with Adom News, alleged that the illegal miners have destroyed cocoa, plantain, and cassava farms, threatening the livelihoods of many residents.

He further claimed that the miners’ activities have heavily polluted streams that once served as the community’s main source of drinking water, leaving residents with limited access to safe water.

According to him, the miners have also abandoned several uncovered pits in the area, posing a danger to residents, particularly children.

Mr Peter appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other security agencies to intervene immediately to halt the illegal mining activities and restore law and order in the community.

The police have yet to officially comment on the incident.