Twenty-one foreign nationals believed to be Burkinabes have been arrested by the Amansie West District Security Council (DISEC) for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, also known as galamsey, activities on river bodies at Esaase Bontefufuo in the Ashanti Region.
The arrests were made during a special intelligence-led operation carried out by the District Police Command and the Formed Police Unit (FPU), under the command of ASP Solomon Adusei Berko.
Confirming the incident, ASP Berko said the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid following reports of heavy environmental pollution and destruction in the area.
“We moved in swiftly upon receiving credible information and arrested the twenty-one Burkinabes actively engaged in mining operations on the water bodies,” he stated.
Several mining tools and equipment were seized during the operation.
ASP Berko explained that the illegal activities had caused extensive environmental damage, including the destruction of vegetation and farmlands, as well as contamination of water bodies that serve as vital drinking water sources for surrounding communities.
He cautioned that such activities would not be tolerated and assured residents of a sustained security presence in the area.
District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie West and Chairman of DISEC, Prince Manu Morris, commended the swift response by the security agencies and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining in the district.
“We cannot allow the destruction of our environment and water bodies to continue. Whether local or foreign, anyone found engaging in these acts will face the full rigours of the law,” Mr. Morris stressed.
He added that DISEC would intensify surveillance efforts in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Immigration Service to prevent a resurgence of galamsey activities.
The DCE further urged residents to support the authorities by reporting suspicious activities in their communities to help protect the environment and preserve water resources for future generations.
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