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Angry residents in Sabronum, located in the Ahafo Ano South East District of the Ashanti Region, took matters into their own hands on Monday, January 15, 2024, as they blocked and set ablaze a truck suspected to be transporting an excavator for illegal mining in a forest reserve.
Reports indicate that unknown individuals, possibly with local authority support, attempted to transport an excavator to the forest, sparking concerns among the residents about potential illegal mining activities. The residents, determined to resist any such activities, intercepted the truck, blocked its passage, and set it on fire in protest.
During the altercation, one individual, Bismarck Ankamaah, faced an alleged attack and sustained severe machete wounds. The attackers accused Ankamaah of inciting the truck arson by bringing the excavator to the forest reserve. Ankamaah, who suffered injuries to his leg, arm, and back, has been discharged from the hospital.
Ankamaah shared his account of the incident, stating that he received information about the arrival of the excavator and witnessed the residents gathering to block the road. He was later attacked by individuals known as “A Thousand Robbers” while at his wife’s shop, resulting in the injuries.
Residents in Sabronum are concerned about potential pollution of crucial water sources for domestic and irrigation purposes if illegal mining activities persist in the area. They have issued warnings of decisive action if the excavator remains in the community.
Despite government efforts, illegal mining continues to pose a challenge in the Ano South East District, creating tension and unrest among the residents. The situation in Sabronum is currently described as tense.
