Western Region: police probe fatal shooting of 13 year old at Adelekezu mining site after youth, security clash

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 of the Western Region, which claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy and triggered widespread property destruction.

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

The victim, identified as Pious Nkansah, also known as Nkrumah, was shot during a confrontation involving some youth from the community and private security personnel guarding the mining concession.

Police who responded to the scene found extensive damage to company assets.

Two 4×4 SUV vehicles and two tipper trucks had been completely burnt, while a pickup truck and a Toyota Land Cruiser were also damaged.

The destruction was allegedly carried out by some youth following the shooting.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between the youth of Adelekezu and the private security men at the mining site.

The youth were said to have attempted to invade the company’s concession, leading to a confrontation.

During the standoff, the youth allegedly tried to seize a pump-action gun from one of the security personnel. In resisting the attempt, the security man fired a shot, which struck the 13-year-old boy.

The injured boy was rushed to the Axim Government Hospital for treatment, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

News of the boy’s death reportedly enraged the youth, who went on a rampage at the mining site.

They set company properties ablaze and threatened to lynch workers operating at the site, creating a tense and chaotic situation.

A police team deployed to the area managed to rescue 11 workers amid the violence.

Five suspects have since been arrested in connection with the incident.

They are Gyenyame Owusu, aged 38; Matthew Asamah, aged 24; Nana Yaw, aged 15; Yaw Opoku, aged 16; and Kojo Agyei, aged 21.

The suspects were arrested 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 the ongoing investigations, assuring the public that justice will be pursued as inquiries continue.