Several armed men have laid siege at an underground mine operated by Golden Star Resources at Prestea in the Western Region bringing operations there to a standstill.

JoyNews sources in the area say three persons are already seriously injured including a police officer and contract security operative at the mine.

Speaking on Newsnite, Group Manager of Corporate Affairs for Golden Star Resources, Gerald Osei Boakye explained that they heard reports of illegal entry of the mine by persons through unauthorised routes.

"Our security patrol picked up a couple of them and their wares and what they went for. By the time we got up to separate we they had some of their colleagues coming to free them and in the process attacked some of our security men and some policemen," he said on Monday.

He revealed that the incident has been reported to the police who are looking into the matter.

Mr Osei Boakye added that the Golden Star Resources will issue an official statement communicating their position in due course.

The incident comes just hours before President Akufo-Addo heads to the region for the commissioning and sod-cutting of projects.

The President is also expected to inaugurate a community mining programme in the area.