IN A BOLD move to clamp down on illegal mining activities, a joint operation involving personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission Ghana raided six suspected illegal mining sites allegedly operated by Akonta Mining at Samreboi in the Western North Region.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted on the eve of Good Friday, resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals — including six Chinese nationals, two Koreans, and 18 Ghanaians. Authorities also seized eight excavators (with five others abandoned due to mobility issues), two Toyota Hilux pickups, a Toyota RAV4, four motorbikes and assorted mining equipment.
The exercise, which lasted approximately 12 hours from 5am, was aided by Elikem Kotoko, Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission. It was carried out under the auspices of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, with strong backing from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
“This is an ongoing battle. We must protect our water bodies, forest reserves and preserve the earth. We will not give up,” said Kotoko. He confirmed that all suspects were immediately transported to Accra for further action.
The targeted mining sites are believed to be linked to Akonta Mining, a company associated with Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The Forestry Commission has reiterated its commitment to the national fight against galamsey, affirming that such crackdowns will continue unabated.
Source: Nationaltyme.com
