Journalists Injured in Accident During EPA Anti-Illegal Mining Operation in Ashanti Region
Road accident injures journalists fleeing attack by irate miners during EPA anti-galamsey operation near Obuasi
- Journalists were injured when a vehicle veered off the road while fleeing an attack by miners in Afari near Obuasi.
- Two journalists are reported to be in critical condition, while others, including Ibrahim Abubakar of Media General, escaped with minor injuries.
- The incident occurred during an anti-galamsey operation aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region, with investigations now underway.
Several journalists have sustained injuries after being involved in a road accident while accompanying officials from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on an anti-illegal mining operation in the Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred near Afari, close to Obuasi, on Friday during an enforcement exercise targeting illegal mining activities in the area. The EPA team, backed by security personnel, reportedly came under attack from a group of agitated miners at Dadwene, forcing both the officials and journalists to retreat.
As the convoy attempted to withdraw, one of the vehicles veered off the road, resulting in multiple injuries. Two journalists were reported to be in critical condition following the crash.
Among those involved was Ibrahim Abubakar, the Ashanti Regional Correspondent for Media General, who escaped with minor injuries. Another reporter from Adom News was also part of the team, though their identity has not yet been confirmed.
A source close to the operation described the experience as traumatic, saying the group was under serious threat before the accident occurred.
“It was a frightening scene. The officers and journalists were under real danger before the crash happened,” the source said.
The operation formed part of the EPA’s renewed clampdown on illegal mining (galamsey), aimed at protecting water bodies and farmlands across the region.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but police investigations are underway to identify the attackers and assess the full extent of the injuries sustained.
