- NDC Youth Organiser Adams Smith arrested over missing excavators
- Seized excavators moved illegally; police recovered some
- Investigations ongoing to find accomplices
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy Youth Organiser for Bibiani-Anhwiaso, Adams Smith, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of excavators seized from illegal mining operators in the municipality.
The arrest comes after investigations into the movement of heavy mining equipment confiscated during anti-galamsey operations in the area.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Sebastian Obeng, explained that the machines were initially secured by the Forestry Commission and the Lands Ministry before he assumed office.
“When I took office on April 23, 2025, the Forestry Commission and Lands Ministry had seized several excavators. Due to limited space at the Assembly, some were moved to a site called Malta,” he said.
According to Mr. Obeng, the Forestry Manager later informed him that some excavators at Malta were being transported on a low-bed truck.
“Last Thursday, the Forestry Manager called to say someone was transporting the excavators. I contacted the Police Commander, who confirmed the report,” he noted.
Mr. Obeng said that ten excavators were parked at the site, but three had already been moved before police intervened.
“They had moved three and were attempting to take a fourth. I instructed that the low-bed operator be arrested, and during investigations, it emerged that the NDC Youth Organiser had authorized the movement,” he added.
Police later traced two excavators to Juabo in Amenfi Central and another to Upper Denkyira West. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether Adams Smith acted alone or with others.
“We are thoroughly investigating to find out if he acted alone or if others were involved,” the MCE said.
Mr. Obeng also revealed that Adams Smith serves as the Youth Employment Coordinator for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.
While he did not confirm financial inducement, the MCE said claims have surfaced that the suspect demanded GH¢600,000, allegedly receiving GH¢400,000, with GH¢200,000 to be paid after the excavators were moved.
“I cannot outrightly confirm it, but these are claims arising during investigations,” he said.
He added that the location where the excavators were parked had previously been used by the contractor for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso road project, and the site was not abandoned.
“The police were supervising the site, and people live around the area. I don’t know him to be an illegal miner, but it’s unclear if he was secretly involved. That’s why we didn’t expect anyone to move the excavators,” Mr. Obeng stated.
