A key suspect in the violent clash at Asawinso, Bibiani, that led to the death of one person and left seven others injured has been arrested.
Sebastian Obeng, Municipal Chief Executive of Bibiani, confirmed the arrest during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on May 19, 2026.
Obeng explained that violence erupted when traditional authorities and security personnel attempted to stop illegal mining activities at the site, near a forest reserve.
The intervention was led by the Asawinso Chief after reports of illegal mining in the area.
Unfortunately, the situation quickly escalated after a group of youth led by the chief of the town went to the site to ascertain the extent of illegal mining at the place.
However, the chief agreed to meet the miners at home to resolve the matter amicably, but was accosted midway through their journey by some thugs, led by one Obidi, and violently attacked with machetes and guns.
“He (Obidi) also called other individuals known as Afoko and Baako Bewu, who joined the attack and began shooting sporadically,” he added.
As a result of the clash, one person died, and around seven others were injured, while several others fled for safety.
Obeng revealed that Obidi was arrested after he walked into the police station with a firearm to report a robbery at his mining site, apparently unaware that police already knew about the earlier incident.
“Obidi went to the police station with a gun to report a robbery at his mining site, not realising that the police were already aware of what had transpired, which ultimately led to his arrest,” he explained.
Authorities have indicated that a manhunt is underway for more suspects connected to the attack.