Mother of seven shot as military fires warning shots in Saamang Mining dispute

A mother of seven is battling for her life after sustaining gunshot wounds during a confrontation between military personnel and residents of Saamang, a community in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.

The victim, Janet Koh, a trader, was among community members fleeing a chaotic scene after youth in the area resisted an attempt by soldiers to arrest two residents.

The victim, Janet Koh, a trader, was among community members fleeing a chaotic scene after youth in the area resisted an attempt by soldiers to arrest two residents.

The military personnel had been deployed to provide security for Kibi Goldfields Limited, a mining company accused by residents of operating within the buffer zone and main course of the River Akusu.

According to eyewitnesses, residents had halted the company’s operations at the sacred Akusu River.

In response, military personnel reportedly called in by the company arrested two young men believed to be leaders of the resistance.

Tensions escalated when the youth, protesting the arrests, attempted to block the road to prevent the military from removing the detained individuals. In the process, the soldiers fired multiple warning shots to disperse the crowd.

Janet Koh, who was selling roasted corn near the scene, was hit in the right leg by a stray bullet as she fled. She was rushed to the Saviour Memorial Hospital in Osiem, where she remains on admission.

When Citi News visited the community on the morning of Sunday, August 3, 2025, tensions were still high.

Some residents, including victims of the alleged military brutality, are demanding justice and the immediate release of the two detained youth.