An unemployed woman, Lauretta Asibi Mahime, has been arrested and arraigned before the Circuit Court in Berekum for allegedly engaging in illegal gold prospecting without proper authorization.
According to a statement of offence filed by the police, the accused has been charged with “prospecting for gold without authority,” contrary to Section 99 (1 & 2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
Background and Facts of the Case
The complaint was lodged by Charles Yaw Asamoah, the Coordinating Director of the Berekum West District.
Mahime, a 24-year-old resident of Asuotiano, a suburb of Wamfie, was reportedly caught engaging in illegal mining activities in the Benkasa bush, near Berekum.
Reports indicate that around 1:00 p.m. on October 28, 2025, the District Assembly task force received intelligence that some individuals were illegally mining gold in the area. Acting on the information, the District Chief Executive, Collins Asomah, led a team comprising the complainant, police officers, and members of the district task force to the site.
Upon their arrival, the illegal miners allegedly spotted the team and fled. The task force pursued and managed to arrest the accused, Lauretta Asibi Mahime.
During interrogation, Mahime reportedly admitted that she had been recruited by a man (name withheld for investigation purposes) from Asuotiano to work at the site for wages.
Another suspect, identified as Owusu Paul, allegedly fell into a dugout pit while attempting to escape arrest and sustained injuries. He was rescued by the task force and taken to the Holy Family Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Authorities say efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects who fled the scene.
The case remains under investigation.
Source: Dominic Donyina