Obuasi Court Jails Farmer 8 Years for Violent Mining Site Attack

A 34-year-old farmer, Afrifa Adu Kofi, has been sentenced to 96 months imprisonment with hard labour by the Obuasi Circuit Court for his role in a violent attack at a mining site in Adansi Odumasi near Obuasi.

He was also handed an additional 36-month sentence for possession of a pump-action gun without lawful authority. The sentences are to run concurrently.

According to police prosecution, on May 31, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m., Afrifa Adu Kofi and other accomplices, currently at large, stormed the mining site armed with cutlasses, sticks, and a firearm.

The group reportedly attacked workers Mohammed Abdulai, Halidu Seidu, Nasaratu Fuseini, and Stephen Otoo, inflicting various degrees of injury. The victims were rushed to AngloGold Ashanti Hospital, while Halidu Seidu was later referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

The accused faced five charges — four counts of causing harm under Section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and one count of possession of arms without lawful authority under NRCD 9/1972.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of causing harm involving Mohammed Abdulai, Halidu Seidu, and Nasaratu Fuseini, while the charge relating to Stephen Otoo returned a not guilty verdict. He was also convicted on the firearms charge.

In his caution statement, Afrifa Adu Kofi admitted to assaulting the victims with a cutlass and shooting Mohammed Abdulai with a pump-action gun, but failed to provide documentation for the weapon when questioned by police.

Presiding Judge, Mr. Isaac Appiatu, sentenced him to 96 months on each count of causing harm and 36 months for the illegal firearm possession, with all sentences running concurrently.

Meanwhile, police say a manhunt is underway for the remaining suspects who are still on the run as investigations continue.