Sunyani (Bono), April 16, – The Bono Regional Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a 23-year-old illegal miner at Akontanim in the Dormaa East District, while cautioning the youth against acts of lawlessness.
A statement issued and signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, said the lifeless body of Kwabena Agyei was found at an illegal mining site with mud smeared on his face.
The statement said the incident triggered a two-day violent protest in the area, during which some illegal miners blocked roads and disrupted vehicular movement.
It said police received a complaint on Monday, April 13, at about 1800 hours from Mr Bismark Ofori, Area Council Chairman of Akontanim, regarding the discovery of the body at about 1630 hours, which had been conveyed to the chief’s palace.
Police proceeded to the scene and found the body lying in a supine position, covered with a white bedsheet. The deceased was wearing black shorts and had visible marks of assault on his chest and back.
Preliminary investigations, the statement said, indicated that the deceased and others were engaged in illegal mining when they were allegedly confronted by a team from the Dormaa Traditional Area Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, leading to his death.
The incident sparked unrest later that evening when about 70 suspected illegal miners blocked the main road at Kyeremasu on the Dormaa-Ahenkro–Berekum highway at about 1900 hours.
The protesters burned car tyres and pelted stones at two police vehicles with registration numbers GP 390 and GP 3566.
Police and military reinforcement teams were subsequently deployed to clear the road and restore traffic.
The statement said the protests resumed in the early hours of Tuesday, April 14, when about 400 people again blocked the Berekum-Dormaa road, but were dispersed by security personnel.
The body has since been deposited at the Dormaa-Ahenkro Presbyterian Hospital mortuary for preservation, identification and autopsy.
Police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
The Command cautioned the public against engaging in violent acts that could undermine peace and security in the area, and assured that perpetrators would be brought to justice.
GHBUSS
16 April 2026
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