The serene community of Saamang in the Fanteakwa South District of Ghana's Eastern Region has been thrust into turmoil following a violent confrontation between military personnel and local residents. The incident, which occurred near the sacred Akusu River, has left one woman critically injured and the community grappling with heightened tensions.
Background of the Incident
The clash stems from ongoing grievances between residents of Saamang and Kibi Goldfields Limited, a mining company accused of operating within prohibited areas, including the buffer zone and main course of the Akusu River. The river holds cultural and spiritual significance for the community, and its preservation has become a rallying point for residents.
In recent weeks, locals reportedly halted the company's operations at the river, citing environmental degradation and disrespect for cultural heritage. The situation escalated when military personnel were deployed to provide security for the company. On Saturday, August 2, 2025, soldiers arrested two young men believed to be leading the resistance against the mining activities.
Escalation of Tensions
Eyewitness accounts indicate that tensions reached a boiling point when community members protested the arrests and attempted to block the road to prevent the detained individuals from being taken away. In response, military personnel fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.
Amid the chaos, Janet Koh, a mother of seven and a trader selling roasted corn near the scene, was struck in the right leg by a stray bullet as she fled. She was immediately rushed to Saviour Memorial Hospital in Osiem for emergency treatment and remains hospitalized.
Community Outcry
The incident has left the community shaken and deeply frustrated. During a visit to Saamang on Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, Citi News observed palpable tension among residents. Many expressed outrage at what they described as excessive use of force by the military. Victims of the alleged brutality are calling for justice and demanding the immediate release of the detained youth.
Local leaders have also voiced concerns about the broader implications of the incident. "This is not just about two arrests or one injury; it is about the infringement on our rights and the desecration of our sacred river," one elder remarked during an interview.
Calls for Accountability
The unfolding events in Saamang highlight a growing need for dialogue between stakeholders to address underlying grievances. Residents are urging authorities to investigate the actions of both Kibi Goldfields Limited and the military personnel involved in the confrontation. They are also calling for measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Civil society organizations have weighed in, emphasizing that communities must not be silenced or subjected to violence when advocating for their rights and environmental protection. Advocacy groups are urging government agencies to mediate between Saamang residents and Kibi Goldfields Limited to find a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
As Janet Koh fights for her life in hospital, her plight serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unresolved disputes between corporations and communities. The situation in Saamang underscores the importance of prioritizing dialogue, justice, and environmental stewardship in addressing such conflicts.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether peace can be restored to this troubled community. For now, Saamang remains a symbol of resistance—a community standing firm against perceived injustice while grappling with the harsh realities of its struggle.
-Citinewsroom
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
