Source upperwestmedia
News Ghana
Young Galamsey Operator Set Ablaze in Alleged Military Attack at Wa in the Upper West Region
Wa East District, Upper West Region— A tragic incident that shocked the Wa East District occurred when Alhassan Mohammed, a 23-year-old galamsey operator, narrowly escaped what he described as a brutal assault by some uniformed men believed to be military officers.
The attack occurred yesterday at about 14:00pm at an illegal mining site.
According to Mohammed, he and his colleagues were working when they noticed the armed men approaching. Panic erupted, and everyone scattered for safety. Mohammed, who was still underground, remained unaware of the unfolding danger.
By the time he climbed out of the pit, the area was eerily silent—his friends had vanished. Suddenly, the suspected officers emerged from hiding. With no one to defend him, Mohammed says they pounced, delivering relentless blows until his body was too weak to resist.
But the assault did not end there. In an act that has horrified the community, Mohammed claims petrol was poured over his body before he was set on fire. “It was as if death had come for me,” he recounted, still in shock.
Community members are now calling for a full investigation into the incident, demanding answers from the security services and protection from what they describe as “lawless brutality.”
This tragedy has reignited urgent calls for dialogue between local authorities, traditional leaders, and security forces to prevent further violence in the district.
