- Three arrested for galamsey in Birim River
- Suspects face charges of conspiracy, illegal mining
- Five others arrested in Atiwa West Municipality for galamsey
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against galamsey, the Koforidua Circuit Court B has remanded three individuals into police custody for engaging in illegal mining operations in the Birim River.
Gideon Gabor, 32, Agyemang Meshach, 24, and Boampong Livingston, 43, were arrested by the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners task force during a targeted operation to rid water bodies of illegal miners.
The trio faces charges of conspiracy to commit crime and mining without a license. However, they claim the prosecution’s facts are untrue, stating they were arrested while returning from an errand and requesting bail. The court, presided over by Matilda Ribeiro, did not take their pleas.
The case has been adjourned, with the prosecution tasked to conclude investigations before the next court date on November 4, 2024.
In a related development, three Chinese nationals and two Ghanaians were arrested in Atiwa West Municipality for illegal mining activities, with their equipment confiscated. This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace.
This recent crackdown follows other efforts to combat illegal mining, including the arrest of 39 suspected galamseyers in Atiwa West District.
