A violent clash between the military and residents of Mpatuam in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region has left one person dead and two others injured. The deceased, identified as Samuel Danquah, Assembly Member for Aboabo, was confirmed dead at the hospital after being allegedly shot by soldiers during the confrontation.

How the Clash Started

The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, following tensions between youth in the community and security personnel guarding a mining concession. According to the Assembly Member for Mpatuam, Kwame Sakyi, the unrest began after residents accused Asanko Mines security of killing a miner a day earlier.

In protest, aggrieved youth reportedly blocked roads leading to the community, sparking a scuffle with security forces.

“During the confrontation, the armed soldiers opened fire on the residents. A stray bullet from the sporadic gunshots allegedly hit the Assemblyman and injured two others,” Sakyi recounted.

Eyewitness Accounts

Reports indicate that the confrontation escalated when the family of the allegedly slain miner rejected his body, leading to heightened tensions. Assemblyman Danquah, who had attempted to mediate between the family and officials, was caught in the crossfire.

Eyewitnesses claim he was shot multiple times, and his body was later deposited at the Mother of God Clinic in Esaase Bontefufuo. Residents of both Aboabo and Mpatuam besieged the clinic in grief and anger, chanting and demanding justice.

A staff member at the clinic revealed that military and private security personnel are often stationed at the mining site to prevent encroachment, adding that residents sometimes enter restricted areas searching for gold remnants.

Family and Community Reaction

A brother of the deceased insisted that the Assemblyman was not involved in illegal mining but was only trying to mediate.

“My brother was not an illegal miner. He was an Assemblyman trying to calm tensions when soldiers shot him. We demand justice,” he stated.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that angry youth have set ablaze vehicles and other properties belonging to the mining company in retaliation.

Community Demands Justice

Witnesses, including Assemblyman Kwame Sakyi, described the scene as chaotic, with residents vowing not to relent until justice is served for their fallen colleague.

The death of Assemblyman Danquah has further intensified tensions in Mpatuam, with fears of escalating violence if the situation is not contained.