23-year-old galamsey operator Kwabena Agyei killed at Akontanim

A 23-year-old man, Kwabena Agyei, suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities, has been confirmed dead at Akontanim in the Dormaa East District of the Bono Region.

Police reports indicate the incident happened on April 13, 2026.

Preliminary information shows that around 6:10 p.m., authorities received a report from the Akontanim Area Council Chairman, Bismark Ofori, who had earlier come across the body at about 4:30 p.m. on the outskirts of the community.

According to a citinewsroom.com report, officers who arrived at the scene later found the deceased at the Akontanim chief’s palace, lying on his back and covered with a white bedsheet.

He was wearing black shorts, with mud-like clay on his face and visible injuries on his chest and back, suggesting possible assault.

Initial police findings indicate that the deceased and others were involved in illegal mining when they reportedly encountered members of the Dormaa Traditional Area Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, an encounter which is believed to have led to his death.

Seven arrested in galamsey operation along Boin River

A statement issued on April 14, 2026, by the Bono Regional Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, confirmed the incident and the death of the 23-year-old.

The situation later sparked unrest in the community that same evening.

Around 7:30 p.m., about 70 suspected illegal miners blocked the Kyeremasu stretch of the Dormaa Ahenkro–Berekum highway, setting tyres on fire and disrupting traffic.

During the disturbance, they reportedly pelted two police vehicles with stones and other objects, damaging them and affecting movement on the road.

A combined team of police and military personnel was later deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Tensions flared again the next morning, Tuesday, April 14, when a larger group of about 400 people also blocked the Berekum–Dormaa road using similar tactics. Security forces intervened once more and managed to clear the area and restore calm.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to identify and arrest those responsible for the suspected killing.

The body has been taken to the Dormaa Ahenkro Presbyterian Hospital morgue for preservation, identification, and autopsy.

“The command wishes to advise the public to desist from any violent acts that will jeopardise the peace of the area while efforts are underway to get the perpetrators of the crime apprehended to face the full rigours of the law,” the statement said.

Nana Twene The Krontihene killed by firing squad for ritual killing of a pregnant woman:



AK/BAI