The IGP’s Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce came under attack on Wednesday at Bonteso in the Ashanti Region after seizing an excavator from an illegal mining site near Manso Nkwanta.
The assault was reportedly led by the local assembly member, Patrick Asare, who, along with others, hurled stones at the officers in an attempt to prevent them from leaving the site. Despite warning shots fired by the taskforce, the crowd—mainly local residents—continued to confront the officers.
Two officers, ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao, sustained injuries during the clash.
The taskforce arrested the assembly member and two others identified as Osei Vasco and Akwesi Amponsah. Following the arrests and further warning shots, the team regained control of the situation, dispersed the agitated crowd, and transported the seized excavator to the Manso Adubia Police Station.
Due to the volatile nature of the incident, a second excavator had to be left behind at the site.
The Manso area remains a hotspot for illegal mining, which has caused widespread destruction of farmland and severe pollution of water bodies over the years.
