5 Illegal miners arrested, 4 excavators seized at Wenchi
A task force set up by the Wenchi Traditional Council has arrested five suspected illegal miners, including a Chinese, at Wenchi Atuuna in the Bono Region.
The task force, which made the arrest last Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 4:40 p.m., also seized four excavators, two private Ford vehicles with registration numbers AS 2860-24 and GB 159-22, as well as two huge washing machines.
The Special Aide to the Omanhene of the Wenchi Traditional Area, Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, Nana Reindorf Oware, who confirmed the arrest to the Daily Graphic, said the task force was led by Osagyefo Tabrako to arrest the suspects.
He said the suspects, as well as the seized mining equipment and vehicles, had been handed over to the police at Wenchi for further investigation and prosecution.
Degraded lands
Nana Oware said the council had directed the police to lead the suspects to cover the galamsey pits created by their operations in order to restore the degraded land.
He also urged the police to ensure that the suspects were prosecuted according to the law.
"We expect the police to lead them to restore the degraded lands they destroyed and ensure that they are prosecuted. The council is interested in the case and will follow up even to the Presidency for justice," he said.
Narrating how the arrests were made, Nana Oware explained that when the task force got to the scene, the Chinese who was driving one of the private vehicles quickly picked one suspect and drove away.
He explained that a member of the task force followed the vehicle with a motorbike to discover their hiding place and informed the police to arrest them.
Interrogation
Nana Oware said when the task force interrogated the suspects, they mentioned the name and location of the person behind their operations.
He explained that the council had since invited the person to the palace to respond to the allegations made against him.
Nana Oware said the suspects had no permit or documents permitting them to operate in the area.
He said it was the main priority of Osagyefo Tabrako to halt illegal mining on Wenchi stool lands since their activities were destroying farmlands, forests and rivers.
Recall
It could be recalled that a press statement dated Sunday, January 5, 2025, signed by Nana Oware, expressed concern about the ongoing illegal mining operation in the area.
It ordered all illegal mining companies, including illegal miners operating in the area, to vacate their sites.
"All operations must cease and you are required to remove any machinery and equipment from the site," it said.
The statement, titled: "Seizure of illegal mining operations in Wenchi Traditional Area", directed the companies to restore all the degraded lands to mitigate potential dangers and preserve the integrity of the area before leaving the various sites.
It said non-compliance with the instructions would lead to serious repercussions.
The release urged the public, particularly the people in Wenchi and its surrounding communities, to respect the land and abide by the laws governing the Wenchi Traditional Area.
Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh