Fifteen persons have been arrested by the Ashanti Regional Police Command for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities at Manso Adubia in the Amansie South District.
The arrest followed a special intelligence-led operation conducted at Watreso and Preacher Krom, two known galamsey hotspots within the enclave.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 26, the Ghana Police Service said several mining-related equipment, weapons, and ammunition were retrieved from the suspects during the raid.
“The suspects were arrested at an illegal mining site at Watreso and Preacher Krom actively engaged in illegal mining activities,” the police said.
The arrested individuals have been named as Tahiru Ibrahim, 24; Shaibu Idrissu, 23; Boateng Emmanuel, 27; Jamon Kwaku Samuel, 21; Yaro Patrick, 29; Kofi Boakye, 21; Gubong Mathew, 45; Fatawu Zackari Seidu, 26; Abdul Malik Seidu, 22; Dauda Tahiru, 23; Sampson Grace, 21; Boolangkpuo Freda, 24; Arima Hagar, 26; Kwarteng Vasco, 30; and Kwame Adutwum, 24.
Items retrieved from the site include two excavator control boards, two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, a water pumping machine, two power generators, a vulcanizing machine, and an Apsonic motorbike.
“All suspects are currently in police custody assisting with the investigation, while the retrieved exhibits have been retained,” the statement noted.
