Ayensuano clash among resident and land guards
A violent confrontation in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region has left two people dead and several others injured. The clash occurred on Thursday in Kraboa, a farming community, highlighting ongoing tensions between residents and illegal sand-winners.
The conflict began when local farmers, angered by the destruction of their crops, blocked a road to prevent sand-winners from transporting sand. These sand-winners have been accused of damaging farmland, particularly affecting cassava crops during a critical growth period. Witnesses reported that the residents were primarily peasant farmers who felt they had no choice but to protest against the encroachment on their livelihoods.
As tensions escalated, land guards protecting the sand-winners responded violently. Eyewitnesses described how the guards attacked the protesters with gunfire. In the chaos, one farmer was shot dead, while a land guard was found unconscious after being hit. A local chief, Yaw Asiedu, allegedly led the guards, who arrived in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles, further intensifying the situation.
One eyewitness recounted the events, explaining that the community had been under siege for about a month due to the illegal sand-winning activities. Farmers had already suffered crop losses, and their frustration boiled over into protest. While police intervened initially, the land guards reportedly returned later that evening, resulting in more violence. The distressing outcome saw one resident dead and five others injured, with casualties rushed to Koforidua for medical treatment.
The police response has drawn criticism. Residents claimed that authorities prioritized transporting the injured land guard to the hospital over assisting the local farmer who had been shot. This perceived neglect has fueled anger and distrust within the community.
The Ayensuano District has seen a troubling rise in illegal sand-winning, often accompanied by violence. Armed land guards frequently intimidate residents, leading to clashes that threaten community safety and livelihood. This latest incident has prompted locals to call for immediate government intervention to address the illegal activities and restore peace.
