The Western Regional Police Command has launched investigations into a fatal shooting incident at a mining company site at Adelekezu near Dadwen in the Axim District that left a boy dead and resulted in the destruction of company property.
The incident occurred on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, when police responded to reports of unrest at the site. Upon arrival, officers found two four-wheel-drive SUV vehicles and two tipper trucks burned, while a pickup truck and a Toyota Land Cruiser had been damaged by residents of the community.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the violence followed a misunderstanding between some youth of Adelekezu and private security personnel at the mining concession. According to police, the youth allegedly attempted to invade the concession and tried to seize a pump-action gun from one of the security guards. The guard reportedly resisted, and a shot was fired during the struggle, hitting a boy.
The injured boy was rushed to the Axim Government Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival. His name has been withheld pending further investigations.
The boy’s death reportedly angered residents of the community, particularly the youth, who then went on a rampage at the mining site. Police said several company vehicles were set ablaze, and workers were threatened with lynching.
A police reinforcement team intervened and managed to rescue 11 workers from the site. Five suspects have since been arrested in connection with the incident. They include Gyenname Owusu, 38; Matthew Asamah, 24; Kojo Agyei, 21; and two juveniles, Nana Yaw, 15, and Yaw Opoku, 16. The suspects are being held for causing harm and unlawful damage.
The Western Regional Police Command has appealed to residents of Adelekezu and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as inquiries continue. Police say all persons found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring justice in the wake of the incident.