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A mother of seven, Janet Koh, is in critical condition after being hit by a stray bullet during a violent confrontation between military personnel and residents of Saamang, a community in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 2, 2025, during a tense standoff between the youth of Saamang and soldiers deployed to protect the operations of Kibi Goldfields Limited, a mining company accused by locals of operating illegally in and around the sacred River Akusu.
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Janet Koh, a local trader who sells roasted corn, was reportedly caught in the chaos as residents resisted the arrest of two young men believed to be leading a protest against the mining company. The confrontation quickly escalated when community members attempted to block the military from removing the detained youth from the area.
Eyewitnesses say the military, in an effort to disperse the growing crowd, fired several warning shots. It was during this gunfire that Janet was struck in the right leg as she tried to flee the scene. She was rushed to the Saviour Memorial Hospital in Osiem, where she remains on admission and is currently receiving treatment.
According to residents, tensions flared after the community halted mining operations at the River Akusu, citing environmental concerns and spiritual significance attached to the water body. The mining company reportedly called in military assistance following the resistance from locals.
When Citi News visited Saamang on Sunday morning, the atmosphere was tense, with community members expressing outrage over what they describe as military brutality. Several residents with visible injuries claimed they were assaulted during the confrontation.
Locals are now calling for:
- The immediate release of the two detained youth,
- A thorough investigation into the military’s conduct,
- And accountability for the injury sustained by Janet Koh.
“The sacred River Akusu is not just water—it is life to us. We cannot sit and watch it destroyed by mining,” said one resident.
Meanwhile, human rights groups and local leaders have begun mobilising support to demand justice and urge restraint from both the military and community members.
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