At least one person is reported dead and several others seriously injured following the clash between two groups on Wednesday over a mining concession in Tarkwa.

The two sides involved in the dispute are alleged to be affiliated to small-scale mining giant, Okobeng and Deputy Lands & Natural Resources Minister, George Mireku Duker.

A bystander who witnessed the clash between the rival small-scale mining groups told JoyNews that, “they were many. They came with two cars and wielded guns and cutlasses and started shooting and slashing each other with the guns and cutlasses.”

According to JoyNews’ Samuel Kojo Brace, reports indicate that the two groups have been engaging in a feud over the mining concession for some time now.

He said the groups met on Wednesday at a toll booth near the Bonsaso River in Tarkwa and started fighting each other using guns and cutlasses.

The leader of the group alleged to be affiliated with George Mireku Duker died on the spot from a gunshot, while the leader of the Okobeng Mining group sustained deep cutlass wounds on the head and ears and was rushed to the Korle-Bu teaching hospital.

The police in Tarkwa are yet to confirm the incident.