In a coordinated operation led by the Association’s taskforce, several mining equipment, including canoes, and changfans have been set ablaze along various rivers in the region.

The action, aimed at protecting water bodies from further destruction, comes amidst growing concerns over the increasing levels of pollution and siltation caused by illegal mining.

Local communities have long suffered from contaminated water sources, which has not only affected access to potable water but also threatened aquatic life.

Speaking to the media, the chairman of the Association, Vasco Daforhu emphasized the need to protect natural resources.

He said this is a fight to preserve the environment for future generations and they will not allow a few individuals to destroy the water bodies.

The taskforce’s operation, which spanned across several rivers in districts such as Suaman Dadieso, Aowin and others was carried out with the support of local security forces.

The team identified key illegal mining sites and swiftly moved to dismantle equipment found on the riverbanks. In an effort to send a strong warning, the seized machines were set on fire.

Also, the Secretary, Pritz Wise Tagoe appealed to the public to support them in fighting the bad but among them devoid of political meanings.

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Abel Nti, popularly known as Joe, along with other youth leaders of Asamang Tamfoe, were involved in an attack on the taskforce during an operation to apprehend illegal miners last month.

In the process, a suspect named Kojo Danso, who is currently at large, shot Patrick Don-Chebe at close range.

The Presiding Judge, His Lordship Salifu Ayigibah, who denied the suspect bail, stated that his court lacks the jurisdiction to try the case. This was the basis for his decision to deny the bail application submitted by the suspect’s lawyer.

He emphasized that, the denial of bail should not be perceived as a punishment but rather as the court acting in accordance with the law.

He also issued a one-week ultimatum to the prosecution to expedite their investigations and ensure that the case file sent to the Attorney General’s office for advice is returned within one week.

This is to enable the court to make an informed decision on the bail application, as the court will not tolerate unnecessary delays.

Police prosecutor Guma Kamal requested an extension of the suspect’s remand, citing the police’s pursuit of the prime suspect who is currently at large.

He expressed concern that granting bail to the suspect could potentially interfere with their ongoing investigations, especially considering that the suspect already has a pending case with the court.

His Lordship Salifu Ayigibah ordered the remand of the suspect, Abel Nti Ahinampong, until November 10, 2023, when a final judgment on his bail application will be delivered.

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The suspects include Ghanaians and other West African nationals.

They were caught mining on the Birim River at Akyem-Mampongnear Anyinam, Accra Village Nkatieso, and Mokyere.

The task force also destroyed and retrieved over a hundred chanfang machines, water pumping machines, and other mining equipment.

Sampson Kofi Wiredu, Vice President of the Association said the operation is to augment effort by the government to clamp down on illegal miners whose activities continue to create a mess in the mining industry.

This arrest follows a similar exercise conducted by the Lands and Natural Resources ministry a few days ago at Birim North and Asante Akyem South districts of the Eastern and Ashanti regions respectively.

The special ministerial operation led by Deputy Minister, George Mireku Duker saw the arrest of six illegal miners and the destruction of several mining equipment.

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