The Nkawie Divisional Command has confirmed that only one person died as a result of the violent clash between the military and residents of Mpatuam at the Asanko Gold Mines Operating area.
The other casualty was however found dead in one of the mining pits of the Asanko mines, the body was removed from the pit and dumped on the premises of the mine site.
According to the police source, information was received that soldiers guarding the Asanko Mines went on an operation last Monday night as part of their usual rounds to chase up some galamsay people. The police alleged that in the process, two of the miners fell into an old mining pit and as a result of which one died.
The police said the town folks on Tuesday morning went and dumped the dead body in the Asanko miming camp alleging that he was shot dead by the soldiers and therefore were agitating. It said the police men from the Nkawie Divisional Commande proceeded to Mpatuam, the scene of the incident, upon arrival, the body of the deceased was found lying in the yard of Asanko Mining.
The body was closely observed but no gun shot wounds were found on him. His mouth was found injured as if he fell on something. While the police men were trying to engage the agitating community members, the Military was also firing gun shots to scare them.
The Assembly Member for Esaase Dominasi Electoral Area, Sampson Dankwah, was hit by a bullet. He was quickly rushed to a hospital at Mpasatia but was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. Maxwell Adjei Frimpong who was on duty.
According to the police, the second death triggered a rampage by the community, during which properties belonging to Asanko Mines were set on fire
The DCE of Manso Nkwanta district police command joined the Nkawie team to calm down tension.
Meanwhile, the two dead bodies have been conveyed to Afari Community Hospital Mortuary for preservation awaiting Autopsy.
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