The Bekwai Circuit Court, presided over by Isaac Appiatu, has remanded 31 suspected illegal miners—28 Chinese nationals and three Ghanaians—into police custody for two weeks. Among the suspects is one Chinese woman.
They were arrested for unlawful entry and engaging in illegal mining activities within the Pamprama Forest Reserve near the Obeng ne Obeng community in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
Speaking to the media after the court proceedings, the prosecutor, Detective Chief Inspector Eric Twum, said the arrests were carried out during a joint operation by the Forestry Commission and security agencies in the Bekwai District.
He explained that the suspects were found destroying forest resources through illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
Detective Chief Inspector Twum added that the court ordered the suspects to remain in police custody for two weeks to allow for further investigations. They are expected to reappear before the court on January 12, 2026.
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