- 12 people charged with illegal mining and river pollution in Western Region
- Suspects include traders, a student, a mason, and others
- Arrested near Rivers Tano and Subiri during April 18 police operation
Twelve individuals have been arraigned before the Accra High Court for allegedly engaging in illegal mining without authorization at Aboi-Nkwanta in the Western Region and for polluting the River Tano.
The accused, who have all entered pleas, include individuals from various professions: Evans Atanga Agana (motor mechanic), Stephen Tuffour Bempah (trader), Samuel Addai (driver), Joseph Antwi (motor rider), Elijah Atambilla (mason), Kennedy Akwasi Awimbora (student), Waja Matthew (farmer), Naya Sampana (butcher), and four traders—Janet Atanga, Beatrice Amponsah, Aishetu Gariba, and Grace Enyomam Amorkupor.
Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, presiding over the case, remanded the suspects into custody until May 14, 2025.
The group was arrested on April 18, 2025, by police from the National Headquarters in Accra as part of a crackdown on illegal mining, initiated by the Inspector General of Police. The operation took place near the Tano and Subiri Rivers in the Samreboi area.
Prosecutors stated that officers observed brown, polluted water at the alleged mining sites. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to locate additional suspects.
