The suspects
The joint taskforce against illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey,’ Operation Vanguard, has arrested two Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian for their involvement in illegal mining at a site located at Jejeti, near Akyem-Anyinam in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region.
The taskforce managed to seize two excavators, seven water pumping machines, a generator set, six immobilised washing plants and a Toyota Hilux vehicle.
The two Chinese suspects are Li Gui Yi, Zhou Zhi Mu while the Ghanaian suspect has been identified as Amoah Eric.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Operations Vanguard, Squadron Leader Omane Agyei, who confirmed the arrest to DAILY GUIDE, said the suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Anyinam Divisional Police Command for further investigations and prosecution.
He noted that government, which wants to regularise the activities of players in the mining sector, instituted the Operation Vanguard to address the menace in the country.
The PRO warned Ghanaians who are supporting foreigners like Chinese to engage in illegal mining to desist from the practice.
He called for support for government’s fight against the menace of illegal mining in the country to protect water bodies and the vegetation.
Squadron Leader Omane Agyei also called on well-meaning Ghanaians to endeavour to volunteer information to help arrest illegal miners.
This, he said, would help government to promote sustainable mining which would benefit the Ghanaian economy.
From Daniel Bampoe, Akyem – Jejeti