Five suspects arrested for illegal mining in Central North region
The Ghana Police Service has arrested five individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities on River Fum at Assin Ayitey, a farming community near Assin Akonfudi in the Assin North Constituency of the Central North Region.
The suspects are made up of two Ghanaians and three Chinese nationals who are currently in custody and are being processed to appear before the court to face justice.
The suspects are; Duut Kwabena Sakakba, aged 38, Douglas Nyamekye, aged 36, Ma Jian, aged 37, Ma Young, aged 31 and Ma Haibi, aged 54.
A statement issued by the Central North Region, Public Affairs Directorate, ASP Francis Onyina, said during the operation, two excavators were found being used at the site.
Although the operators managed to flee with the ignition keys, he said efforts were underway to move the machines to a secure holding area. He added that police are actively working to trace the owners of the excavators so they can also be held accountable.
"During the operation, two (02) Excavators with chassis numbers SY 6HK1-XABEA-01-C3 and SWE365EOO762 were identified being used at the site by the miners. Notwithstanding the fact that the operators of the Excavators bolted with the ignition keys, efforts are underway to get the Excavators to a holding place. Meanwhile, the owners of the Excavator machines would be traced to face justice as well", the statement read.
ASP Onyina also mentioned that a Toyota Hilux pickup with registration number GE 2743-13 was discovered at the site and has been impounded by the police.
He emphasised the Service's determination to clamp down on illegal mining and assured the public that all those found culpable would be made to face the full rigours of the law.
