Galamsey Crackdown: 2 Ghanaians, 3 Chinese nationals arrested in Assin North

Two Ghanaian nationals and three Chinese citizens have been arrested by the Central North Police Command Anti-Galamsey Special Taskforce for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities along the River Fum at Assin Ayiteykrom, near Akonfudi in the Assin North District of the Central Region.

The suspects—Kwabena Sakakba, 38; Douglas Nyamekye, 36; Ma Jian, 37; Ma Young, 31; and Ma Haibi, 54—were apprehended during a dawn operation on Tuesday, April 8. 

The taskforce also seized two excavators and a Toyota Hilux vehicle during the raid.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Francis Onyina of the Central North Public Affairs Directorate confirmed that the suspects are currently in police custody and will be arraigned in court in accordance with the law.

He added that efforts are underway to transport the confiscated excavators to a secure facility and trace their owners for possible arrest and prosecution.

ASP Onyina explained that the Command received intelligence on the illegal mining operations, which had severely polluted River Fum, a key water source for 88 surrounding communities.

Many farmers, particularly cocoa and vegetable farmers, depended on the river for spraying and irrigating their crops and drinking whilst on their farms, but could not do so due to illegal mining pollution.

As a result, he said the police moved to the site, but many of the illegal miners escaped regardless of their efforts.

ASP Onyina assured the public that the police remained committed to rooting out illegal mining activities in the area and urged perpetrators to desist from the illegal act voluntarily or face the law.

He also asked the public to support the police with timely and accurate information of to enable the police root out crime to nurture the peace of the area for growth and development.

GNA