Ghanaian, 14 Chinese arrested for illegal mining

The Eastern Regional Police Command on Wednesday arrested 14 Chinese men and a Ghanaian for engaging in illegal mining at Abasewase near Anyinam.

The suspects including Alhaji Mohammed Abdulai, the Ghanaian, were rounded up at their operating site under a special operation lead by the Anyinam District Commander, Police Superintendent Jeffery Darko, and the Regional Police operation team.

They are currently being held at the police command in Koforidua for further investigations.

Briefing the Ghana New Agency, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Yaw Nketia Yeboah, the Regional Public Affairs Officer, said the police would involve the Ghana Immigration Service as part of their investigation to know the resident status of the Chinese.

He commended the community for the tip-off and the support given the police during the operation.

ASP Yeboah appealed to residents in mining communities to stay vigilant and report any similar activity to the police and avoid taking the law in their own hands.

Abasewase is one of the Akyem areas in the Eastern Region inundated with illegal mining activities which have lead to the destruction of water bodies and the environment.

This is the second time the Regional police command had made arrest of illegal miners in the Region.

Source: GNA