Chaos in Manso Bonteso: Three Arrested, Five Injured in Security Raid-Hon. Prince Manu Morison Speaks Out

Chaos in Manso Bonteso: Three Arrested, Five Injured in Security Raid-Hon. Prince Manu Morison Speaks Out

Manso Bonteso, Ashanti Region-The usually quiet farming community of Manso Bonteso in the Amansie West District was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, after a surprise security raid left five people injured and three others in police custody.

According to District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. Prince Manu Morison, the operation, which was carried out by an armed security task force, resulted in five residents sustaining gunshot wounds. Three others-including Hon. Patrick Asare, the elected Assembly Member for the Bonteso, Gyeniso, and Akaniase Electoral Area- were arrested and are being detained at the Manso Adubea Police Station for further investigation.

Panic and Confusion
Residents say the raid happened without any warning. Witnesses reported that a convoy of armed men stormed the area, prompting chaos as gunfire echoed through the community. Women and children reportedly ran for shelter, while some men fled into nearby bushlands.

“It was like a war zone,” said one resident, who requested anonymity. “We didn’t even know why they were here. We just heard gunshots and saw people falling.”

Disputed Allegations
Initial rumours suggested that the raid was part of a clampdown on illegal mining (galamsey) in the district. However, in an interview on Ezra TV’s Adehyee Morning Show hosted by Reverend Kofi Asante,Hon.Morison dismissed these claims, stating that residents were not engaged in mining at the time.

Instead, he explained, the community members were transporting waste sand and gravel for use in construction projects.

“It is not true that the good people of Bonteso were involved in any illegal mining operation. The security agencies must consider the human factor in their duties and avoid actions that cause unnecessary harm and fear,” he said.

Calls for Calm
Hon. Morison urged residents to remain calm despite the trauma and anger caused by the raid. He called on the security agencies to carry out their duties with professionalism, fairness, and respect for human rights.

Meanwhile, relatives of the injured are appealing for immediate medical support. The entire Community elders are also demanding the release of the Assembly Member and the other detainees, describing the arrests as unjust.

Uncertain Road Ahead
As the sun set over Bonteso on Thursday, tension still lingered in the air. Many residents remain fearful, unsure if the security forces will return. Others are waiting anxiously for a formal statement from both district authorities and the police to clarify the reasons behind the raid.

For now, Manso Bonteso remains on edge,a once-peaceful farming town now marked by gunfire, unanswered questions, and a community struggling to regain its sense of safety.

Source: Justice Baffour//dailywatchgh.com