Four farmers fined GH¢1,680 for illegally prospecting gold

Four farmers have been fined a total of GH¢1,680 for illegally prospecting for gold on the concession of Aboso Goldfields Limited, Damang, by a Tarkwa circuit court.

They all pleaded guilty. Each will pay GH¢420.

Chief Inspector Florence Tawiah prosecuting told the court presided over by Mr. Samuel Samuel Obeng Diawuo that the complainants were security officers of Aboso Goldfields Limited, Damang mine while the accused persons were Issah Mohammed, 41; Rockson Ahedor, 40; Yaw Sevor, 45; and Haruna Ayuba, 24, all residents of Wassa Damang.

She said on May 15, 2010 at about 0210 hours, while the security officers were on patrol they received a call from a colleague that a group of illegal miners had invaded the area and were prospecting for gold.

Inspector Tawiah said the security officers rushed to the scene and the galamsey operators on seeing them mounted attack on the officers and in the process wounded two of them.

The Prosecutor said the officers, however, managed to arrest the four accused persons and sized from them 10 bicycles, two hammers and two sacks containing gold bearing stones. The rest escaped into the bush.

She said the accused persons were handed-over to the Damang Police together with the exhibits.

Inspector Tawiah added that a sample of the gold bearing stones was taken to the laboratory for assay analysis and the report indicated a gold value of GH¢93.625.

The Prosecutor said after investigation the accused persons were charged with the offence.

Source: GNA