The suspects being taken away
Some individuals who purportedly disguised themselves as National Security operatives but were allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, have been arrested.
The suspects, who were nine in number, were arrested together with two Chinese nationals at some illegal mining sites at Mile 3 in the district.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE in an interview, the Ellembelle District Chief Executive (DCE), Joseph Agyekum, said his outfit has vowed to clamp down on all activities of illegal miners in the district.
He said, “So the district assembly set up a team and in collaboration with the District Police Command conducted a swoop at some illegal mining sites at Mile 3 at about 7:30am on Wednesday.”
He revealed that the operation led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the nine individuals who posed as National Security operatives, who were allegedly engaging in the illegal business.
“Upon initial interrogation, the police personnel detected that the first nine suspects, who were in uniforms, were not national security operatives as they claimed,” he disclosed.
He told DAILY GUIDE that all the 11 suspects have since been transferred to the Regional Police Command in Sekondi for further interrogation and prosecution.
“We will not tolerate any form of illegal mining in Ellembelle. Our district will be a hub for responsible mining and a no-go area for galamseyers,” he added.
He pointed out that the operation demonstrated the district’s commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting the environment.
“The arrests send a strong message to those involved in illegal mining activities.
“The district assembly will continue to work with security agencies to ensure compliance with mining regulations,” he stressed.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi