Residents of Adelekezo, a community near Dadwen in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region, are mobilizing support for a petition demanding justice for 13-year-old Pious Nkansah, who was shot and killed during a mining-related confrontation nearly six months ago.
The petition, spearheaded by the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group (GEAG), is expected to be submitted to state authorities next Tuesday, urging a reopening of investigations into the teenager’s death and the prosecution of all persons found culpable.
Pious, a final-year Junior High School student, was killed on December 13, 2025, during a confrontation between residents and security personnel at a mining site allegedly operated by JAS Mining Company.
According to community members, the boy was on his way to fetch water when he was caught in the violence and fatally shot.
Preliminary police investigations indicated that some youth in the farming community had attempted to enter the company’s concession.
During the ensuing confrontation, police said some of the youth allegedly tried to seize a pump-action gun from a private security officer. In the struggle, the weapon was discharged, striking the teenager.
The incident triggered outrage in the community, with angry youth storming the mining site, destroying property, and threatening workers. Police subsequently rescued 11 workers and arrested five individuals for causing unlawful damage and related offences.
However, residents say the central issue—the death of the teenager, has remained unresolved.
Petition
Convener of GEAG, Ms. Elizabeth Vaah, said the community continues to live in fear while those allegedly responsible for the killing remain at large.
According to the petition, JAS Mining Company, allegedly working with foreign nationals, commenced mining activities in Adelekezo between August and September 2025 without any publicly verifiable mineral lease.
Residents claim the operations led to the destruction of farmlands and pollution of local water bodies.
The petition further alleges that several foreign nationals arrested during an inspection of the site by the Municipal Chief Executive were later released under what was described as an “executive authorization” that has never been publicly explained.
Ms. Vaah argued that the community has been abandoned by institutions responsible for protecting citizens and enforcing the law.
“When the cameras left, the Adelekezo case died, and the perpetrators were quietly released, including the alleged killer of Master Nkansah. This cannot become another statistic. Nobody is safe. We must all add our voices,” she stated.
Charges Withdrawn
The petition also points to the Attorney-General’s decision on February 5, 2026, to withdraw all charges against suspects linked to the mining operation, citing insufficient evidence due to gaps in the police docket.
As a result, all suspects were discharged, effectively bringing the case to a close.
Residents and activists contend that justice was denied and are demanding an independent review of both the police investigation and prosecutorial decisions.
Demands
The petition calls on the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General, and the President to reopen and independently review the entire case, conduct a fresh probe into the killing of Pious Nkansah with independent oversight, investigate alleged misconduct or negligence by law enforcement officials and enforce mining and environmental laws without fear or favour.
Residents say the Adelekezo case highlights broader concerns over illegal mining, environmental degradation, abuse of power, and accountability.
“If a Ghanaian child can be killed without justice, then no community is truly safe,” the petition concludes.
