The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has apprehended 29 illegal miners in the Kwaebibirim Municipality of the Eastern Region.
They were arrested after swoops in three different mining sites at Akyem Pramkese and Akyem Abodom by the Small Scale Miners taskforce.
The illegal miners had allegedly destroyed several acres of cocoa and palm plantations belonging to some farmers in the area.
At the time of their arrest, the suspects were busily mining in the Birim River after they had diverted its course. However, some of the illegal miners escaped arrest by swimming across the river.
Meanwhile, two pump action guns were retrieved from those that were arrested.
Major Patrick Don-Chebe, the commanding officer in charge of the task force, said he believed some big names sponsored the suspects.
“It’s been very successful. We have been able to arrest some illegal miners, and we have detained them at the Pramkese police station. We will take them to Kibi for further investigations. There are big men involved in illegal mining, and when we get them, we will publish their names. There are others too who keep interfering in our work when we make arrests,” Major Don-Chebe said.
Somes affected farmers commended the efforts of the task force and bitterly complained about how these illegal miners have taken over their farmlands.
“It’s difficult to have potable water here. We are unable to voice our frustrations. They should keep arresting illegal miners.
“They have been destroying our farmlands. They have destroyed my palm oil plantations. We want the government to stop them from engaging in galamsey,” Kofi Asaga, a farmer, said.
Meanwhile, the suspects have been transported to the Kibi Divisional Police Command, where they will be processed for court.