The Central North Regional Police Command has arrested eight individuals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) and drug-related activities at Ayanfuri in the Central Region.
The suspects include five Ghanaian nationals and three Burkinabe, apprehended during a successful police operation.
Among the Ghanaian suspects are Isaac Odum, 39, and Lazarus Sango, 44 believed to be the main operators of the illegal mining site along with Stephen Nkrumah, 30; Kofi Emmanuel, 23; and John Nkrumah, 27.
During the operation, officers seized key items including:
- Several pumping machines used for illegal mining
- Rubber bowls containing sand suspected to be gold ore
- A gasoline generator
- Cyanide
Speaking at a press briefing after the arrests, Central North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, expressed concern over the prolonged inactivity of the Assin Fosu District Court.
He stated that the court’s non-functioning status has forced the police to release suspects on bail, hampering efforts to combat illegal mining and related crimes.
Despite these setbacks, the police command remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating galamsey. The Inspector-General of Police has deployed additional personnel to support the crackdown.
DCOP Acquaye also appealed to the public for timely and accurate intelligence to enhance law enforcement efforts in the fight against illegal mining and its associated crimes.
