A Medical Laboratory Scientist at the St Elizabeth Hospital in Hwediem in the Asutifi South District of the Ahafo Region has been treated and discharged after suffering a brutal assault by soldiers during Wednesday’s joint police–military operation.

According to eyewitnesses, the health worker stepped outside to observe the ongoing security activity taking place directly in front of the hospital.

Soldiers allegedly suspected that he was recording the operation with his mobile phone.

Despite informing the officers that he had captured no footage, the military personnel reportedly ordered him to delete any images and subsequently assaulted him with belts and canes. The officers further forced him to roll on the ground in his hospital uniform.

The management of St. Elizabeth Hospital has condemned the incident and is calling on the Ministry of Defence to initiate an independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.

The hospital is also demanding appropriate sanctions against the perpetrators and compensation for the staff member, whom they describe as innocent and on duty at the time of the attack.

Wednesday’s security exercise was part of a coordinated operation in both Kenyasi in the Asutifi North District and Hwediem, following the alleged holding of members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) hostage at the Hwediem Police Station earlier this week.

The mass operation also comes in the wake of last week’s NAIMOS–Bronikrom clash, which saw violent confrontations between anti-galamsey operatives and unidentified youth.

Residents reported a heavy dawn presence of armed police and military teams, with officers entering homes and screening individuals as part of efforts to restore order and stability across the two districts.

In a separate development, a civilian from Ntotroso, who had been arrested as part of the operation and was being transported to the Ahafo Regional Police Training School in Kenyasi—the central holding point for detainees, was involved in a road accident.

The vehicle reportedly somersaulted several times.

The injured civilian and two police officers on board were taken to the Banhart Specialist Hospital in Kenyasi. All three have been treated and discharged, according to the Medical Officer on duty, who confirmed the details to JoyNews.