The Eastern South Regional Police Command has made notable progress in the fight against illegal mining, arresting 11 individuals in connection with unlawful activities in the Akyem Fichser community near Bunsu.
This operation was initiated following a tip-off about the detrimental effects of illegal mining on plantations.
Among those apprehended are nine Ghanaian citizens: Kwaku Owusu (42), Philip Tetteh (52), Abdul Raham (27), Philip Duvor (40), Joseph Asare (32), Charles Manu (35), Joseph Araboga (32), Daniel Bangah (20), and Amoaho Isaac (25).
Additionally, two Burkinabe individuals, Jey Done (40) and Adoma Aboubakar (25), were also taken into custody.
Reports indicate that the illegal mining activities have inflicted serious damage on the Fichser area’s tree plantations, raising alarms about the potential long-term environmental consequences.
Authorities have also confiscated an excavator from the site, which will be retained as evidence.
The eleven suspects are currently being held in detention as they prepare for legal proceedings.
In a statement to the press in Kyebi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Ohene Boadi Bossman emphasized the police’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime and upholding law and order within the region.
DCOP Ohene Boadi Bossman reassured the public, particularly those residing in the Eastern South area, of the police’s dedication to addressing illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of their communities.
This incident underlines the active measures being taken by Ghanaian authorities to confront illegal mining, which poses ongoing risks to both the environment and local populations.
The police have vowed to handle these cases with rigor to deter any further illegal activities.
This comes after the Western Central Regional Police Command apprehended 11 suspects for illegal mining along the Bonsa River in the Western Region.
The suspects, comprising seven Ghanaians and four Chinese nationals, were arrested on March 31, 2025, as part of sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing illegal mining.
According to the police, five of the suspects, Wei Qinwei, Yao Yongji, Nsoh Oto (alias Agologo), Kwadwo George (alias Sergio), and Emmanuel Van (alias Atta), were arrested at a mining site in Bonsa.
The remaining six, Nuang Shichuan, Huang Xinbao, Douglas Ayambilla, Elvis Aborta, Michael Tettey Komlorm, and Ibrahim Dauda, were captured at Wassa Agona.
