Police begin probe after 5 were killed in dispute over sand winning activities near Nsawam

The Eastern South Regional Police Command is investigating a shooting incident. This occurred on Tuesday, April 29, at Asiyaw near Akwane-Dobro. The incident left five people dead in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality.

A police statement reported that a crime scene team found five male bodies. All had gunshot wounds from a dispute over illegal sand mining activities.

Police recovered several items from the scene. These included one Toyota Tacoma, one Toyota Tundra, and a pump-action gun. They also found 17 live cartridges, four empty cartridges, three 7.62/39mm empty shells, one 9mm empty shell, and five heavy-duty motorbikes.

Initial investigations suggest a violent clash between two rival groups. They were allegedly fighting over sand mining rights in the area.

The deceased have been taken to the Police Hospital mortuary in Accra. There they will be preserved for identification and autopsy.

Police are working to arrest those responsible for the violence.

Background information indicates that this incident happened during a meeting. The meeting aimed to resolve tensions over sand winning activities harming local farms.

Farmers report that crops like cassava, maize, and pawpaw have been severely affected.

In response to complaints, the boundary chief of Adonteng visited the site with his subjects. He intended to mediate the situation but tragedy struck instead.

Armed men opened fire on the chief’s delegation during their visit. Reports indicate these men acted under orders from individuals named Togbe and Alanyo.

The gunfire caused chaos at the scene and resulted in five deaths. The community is now tense as residents demand justice and better security measures.