A 29-year-old Okada rider, Kwaku Eric, has tragically lost his life after reportedly being brutally assaulted by members of an illegal mining task force in Amenam, a mining community in the Birim North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The young man, who was married with two children, died at the Abirem Government Hospital after falling into a coma following the assault.

Eyewitness reports indicate that the incident began when Isaac Asante, the leader of the said task force and a known miner, greeted a roasted maize seller in the area.

The woman reportedly did not respond, prompting Asante to react angrily by forcefully scattering her setup, including the maize, onto the street.

Kwaku Eric, who was among the customers waiting for the maize he had purchased, questioned Isaac Asante’s behaviour.

In response, Asante allegedly slapped him, sparking a heated exchange.

Bystanders intervened and separated the two.

Determined to seek justice, Kwaku Eric set off to report the incident at the Abirem Police Station.

However, on his way, he was ambushed by Isaac Asante and two other individuals believed to be his accomplices.

The trio allegedly beat him severely using the butts of their guns.

Eric was rushed to the Abirem Government Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition.

Sadly, he passed away the following day while still in a coma.

His body has since been deposited at the I and I Mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

Police have confirmed the arrest of Isaac Asante, while a manhunt is underway for the other two suspects, who remain at large.

The grieving father of the deceased, Baba Moses, has called on the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.

He also appealed for the timely release of his son’s body for burial.