Isaac Kofi Normanyo, a freelance journalist was on the night of February 24, 2013 subjected to a horrific ordeal by a gang of suspected illegal mining operators at Obuasi in the Ashanti region, following his reportage on their activities.

The incident occurred when the angry men stormed the AngloGold Ashanti Club-house, a recreational centre where the journalist had gone to relax. They rushed at him, cursed him and shoved him about.

Normanyo, told the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) that the heavily-built men numbering about eight (8) were wielding machetes, clubs and other dangerous weapons which they intended to use on him.

Narrating his ordeal, Normanya, who is also physically-challenged, said when he requested to know if he had offended them, two of the gang members pointed a machete at his head, insulted and threatened to kill him.

"If you continue doing what you are doing we will kill you," one of the men warned.

According to the journalist, but for the timely intervention of onlookers, the men would have injured him badly. A complaint has been lodged at the Obuasi Central Police Station, and the police have begun search to arrest the men.

The MFWA is very concerned about this case and will continue to monitor closely to its logical conclusion. We entreat the Police to intensify their efforts and bring the culprits before the law.