The Central North Regional Police Command’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce has arrested five individuals—three Chinese nationals and two Ghanaians—for engaging in illegal mining along River Fum at Assin Ayitey, near Assin Akonfudi in the Assin North District.
The arrested suspects have been identified as:
– Duut Kwabena Sakakba, 38
– Douglas Nyamekye, 36
– Ma Jian, 37 (Chinese)
– Ma Young, 31 (Chinese)
– Ma Haibi, 54 (Chinese)
Their mining activities have reportedly caused severe pollution to River Fum, a vital water source for nearby farming communities.
According to the Central North Police Command, the suspects are currently in custody and will be processed for court in the coming days.
During the operation, the task force seized two excavators with chassis numbers SY 6HK1-XABEA-01-C3 and SWE365E00762. The operators of the excavators fled upon spotting the police, taking the ignition keys with them.
A Toyota Hilux with registration number GE-2743-13 was also impounded at the scene.
Authorities say efforts are underway to transport the excavators to a secure location and to trace and arrest the owners of the machines. The police have reiterated their commitment to clamping down on illegal mining in the region.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Agyei Kwaku Mensah