The Central North Police Regional Command’s Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce on April 7 apprehended five suspects — two Ghanaians and three Chinese nationals — for engaging in illegal mining activities on River Fum at Assin Ayitey, a farming community near Assin Akonfudi in the Assin North Constituency, within the Central North Police Region.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Duut Kwabena Sakakba, aged 29; Bismark Asare, aged 36; and three Chinese nationals — Lin Wei, aged 45; Zhao Min, aged 38; and Lu Chen, aged 41.

The Taskforce, acting on intelligence, conducted a swift operation that led to the arrest of the suspects while they were actively engaged in illegal mining operations that had severely polluted the river. The operation also resulted in the seizure of mining equipment, including excavators, water pumps, and other tools used in their activities.

Following their arrest, the suspects were transported to the Central North Police Regional Headquarters for further investigation and processing. Preliminary investigations revealed that the illegal mining activities had not only degraded the environment but also posed a significant threat to the livelihoods of local farmers and residents who depend on the river for farming and domestic purposes.

The Central North Regional Police Command has assured the public that it remains committed to combating illegal mining activities (galamsey) and preserving the region’s natural resources. Authorities further indicated that the suspects will be charged and arraigned before court once investigations are completed.

The Police Command also called on community members to continue supporting the fight against galamsey by providing timely and accurate information that would assist security agencies in protecting the environment.