The Western Central Regional Police Command has restored calm in Benso near Tarkwa following a violent clash between suspected illegal miners and forestry officials that left two people injured.
The disturbance occurred on Sunday, June 7, 2026, and resulted in damage to property at the Forestry Commission office.
According to a police statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, officers received a report at about 8:20 p.m. that a 22-year-old man, Prosper Kwame Eshun, had allegedly been assaulted by forestry officials.
Initial investigations revealed that Eshun had parked his motorcycle near a Forestry Commission workers’ bungalow while he went to make a purchase nearby.
When he returned, he discovered that the motorcycle had been moved. He suspected someone had tampered with it and confronted three forestry officers at the scene.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
Sources familiar with the incident said the motorcycle had been parked in front of the Forestry Commission office and was blocking access.
After officials failed to locate the owner, they allegedly moved the motorbike and secured it within the office premises.
When the owner returned and demanded its release, tensions rose and reportedly led to an assault.
The man later left the area but returned with a large group of supporters.
Witnesses said more than 100 people stormed the Forestry Commission office in what appeared to be a coordinated attack.
The group allegedly smashed vehicle windscreens, damaged official property and forced entry into storage facilities.
Several pieces of confiscated mining equipment were reportedly taken away during the chaos.
The attack caused significant damage to government property and disrupted operations at the facility.
During the disturbance, a second victim, 43-year-old George Adu, sustained gunshot wounds.
Police confirmed that both injured men are receiving medical treatment.
Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Western Central Regional Police Command has since brought the situation under control and increased security in the area.
Police say investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence and vandalism.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property in the region.
Authorities continue to monitor the community to prevent further unrest.
