By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, April 10, GNA – Two Ghanaians and three Chinese nationals were arrested on Tuesday by the Central North Police Command Anti-galamsey Special Taskforce for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities along River Fum at Assin Ayiteykrom, near Akonfudi in the Assin North district capital in the Central Region.
The suspects, Mr Kwabena Sakakba, 38, Mr Douglas Nyamekye, 36, Ma Jian, 37, Ma Young, 31, and Ma Haibi, 54, were caught during the early morning swoop that also seized two excavators and a Toyota Hilux.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Francis Onyina with the Central North Public Affairs Directorate, the suspects are currently in police custody and will be sent to court in accordance with the law.
The police are also working to transport the seized excavators to a secure location and trace their owners for arrest and prosecution.
ASP Onyina explained that the Command received intelligence on the illegal mining operations, which had severely polluted River Fum, a key water source for 88 surrounding communities.
Many farmers, particularly cocoa and vegetable farmers, depended on the river for spraying and irrigating their crops and drinking whilst on their farms, but could not do so due to illegal mining pollution.
As a result, he said the police moved to the site, but many of the illegal miners escaped regardless of their efforts.
ASP Onyina assured the public that the police remained committed to rooting out illegal mining activities in the area and urged perpetrators to desist from the illegal act voluntarily or face the law.
He also asked the public to support the police with timely and accurate information of to enable the police root out crime to nurture the peace of the area for growth and development.
GNA
AT/GRB