The Central North Police Regional Command’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce has apprehended five individuals involved in illegal mining activities on River Fum at Assin Ayitey, a farming community in the Assin North Constituency. The arrests were made on April 7, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to combat galamsey, a significant environmental concern in Ghana.
The suspects include two Ghanaians, Duut Kwabena Sakakba, 38, and Douglas Nyamekye, 36, alongside three Chinese nationals: Ma Jian, 37, Ma Young, 31, and Ma Haibi, 54. They are currently in police custody, awaiting prosecution for their alleged involvement in the illegal mining operation.
Seized Equipment and Vehicles
Two excavators, with chassis numbers SY 6HK1-XABEA-01-C3 and SWE365E00762, were found at the site, although their operators fled with the ignition keys. A Toyota Hilux pickup with registration number GE 2743-13 was also confiscated by the police. Efforts are underway to locate the excavator owners and bring them to justice.
Ghana has been grappling with the issue of galamsey, with concerns over environmental damage, water pollution and deforestation. The government has implemented various measures to combat the problem, including the deployment of anti-galamsey taskforces.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
