The Ghana Police Service has arrested five individuals involved in illegal mining activities along River Fum in Assin Ayitey, a community in the Assin North Constituency.
The suspects, including two Ghanaians and three Chinese nationals, were taken into custody during a police operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Duut Kwabena Sakakba (38), Douglas Nyamekye (36), Ma Jian (37), Ma Young (31), and Ma Haibi (54).
Two excavators were found operating at the mining site, though the operators fled before police could seize them.
The excavators, identified by their chassis numbers, are currently being moved to a secure location while authorities work to trace their owners.
In addition, a Toyota Hilux pickup was discovered at the scene and has been impounded.
The Ghana Police Service is intensifying efforts to tackle illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, which continues to harm the environment, especially water bodies.
“We are fully committed to rooting out illegal mining and ensuring that all perpetrators are held accountable,” said ASP Francis Onyina, of the Central North Regional Public Affairs Directorate.
This operation is part of the ongoing nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities that threaten Ghana’s natural resources.
By: J.W Quarm
Credit: Graphiconline.com
