By Daniel Bampoe
The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has called for calm and an impartial investigation following the shooting of a young man during a confrontation between military personnel and some youth at Kyebi Zongo in the Eastern Region.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has heightened tensions in the municipality after a video circulated widely on social media showing the aftermath of the confrontation.
Reports indicate that the clash happened during an anti-illegal mining operation involving a joint Military and Police team attached to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
Earlier reports suggested that a group of youth engaged in galamsey activities blocked access roads to prevent security personnel from entering the mining site.
The miners reportedly accused the security team of selective enforcement, alleging that other illegal mining sites had been left untouched while their operations were targeted.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in one of the youth sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.
In the wake of the incident, concerns have grown within the Kyebi Zongo community, where residents and youth have demanded justice while calling for clarity on the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Responding to the development, Dr. Agyemang issued a public statement expressing deep concern over the incident and condemning all forms of violence that threaten the safety and security of residents.
“The Office of the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South has taken note of a viral video depicting an unfortunate incident that reportedly occurred at Kyebi Zongo involving a confrontation between some youth and military personnel, which resulted in the shooting and injury of a young man,” the statement said.
The MP stated that although the full facts surrounding the incident have not yet been officially established, no community should be subjected to such disturbing scenes.
“I am deeply saddened by this development and wish to unequivocally condemn every form of violence and brutality that endangers the lives and safety of the people of Abuakwa South,” he stated.
The MP disclosed that he had been informed that the injured victim was receiving treatment at the Kyebi Government Hospital, and on behalf of the people of Abuakwa South, extended his best wishes for the victim’s full and speedy recovery.
He appealed to residents, particularly the youth, to remain calm, exercise maximum restraint and allow the appropriate state institutions to conduct investigations without interference.
He also urged the Military, Police and other relevant security agencies to carry out a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.
“As Member of Parliament, I remain committed to engaging all relevant stakeholders to ensure that peace, law and order prevail within our constituency. Let us remain united, protect one another and work together in the interest of Abuakwa South,” he said.
The shooting has once again brought national attention to the challenges surrounding illegal mining enforcement operations in Ghana.
In recent years, several anti-galamsey operations have resulted in confrontations between security personnel and illegal miners, with concerns frequently raised over the use of force, community relations and allegations of selective enforcement.
