6 people shot at Bibiani mine demonstration

An investigation has been kick-started by the Bibiani Police Command into a demonstration by the youth of Bibiani to stop the chief of Sefwi-Anwhiaso, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, from performing some rites at the Mensin Gold Mine to Kick start operations.

Six (6) people sustained gunshot wounds at the Wednesday, July 20, demonstration and several others sustained serious injuries at Bibiani in the Western North Region as well.

All the victims who sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment at the Bibiani Government Hospital and the Divine Love Hospital.

Reports indicate that Ogyeahoho Gyebi II, who doubles as the President of the National House of Chiefs, had gone to perform a rite to officially open the Mensin Gold Mine when demonstrators began to fire at the premises of the mine.

Most youth, numbering more than a hundred dressed in red and black exhibited dissatisfaction at the shrine to prevent the chief from performing the rites claiming that, Nana Ngoa Anyimah Kodom II is the legitimate chief to perform the rites and not Ogyeahoho Gyebi.

Also, one of the reasons for the demonstration is that the demonstrators accused the management of the mine of refusing to employ them.

Mr Kwame Tarbi, leader of the group, speaking to the media, pointed out that mining companies such as Chirano Gold Mines Limited, Mensin Gold Mines and Ghana Bauxite Corporation were all based in the Municipality, but had no significant impact on the lives of the youth in the area.