The Central North Regional Police Command in Ghana has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” and associated criminal activities, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals at Ayanfuri in the Central Region. The operation underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the devastating environmental and socio-economic consequences of illegal mining, which has become a pervasive challenge in Ghana. This particular operation targeted an illegal mining site, where five Ghanaians and three Burkinabe nationals were apprehended. The Ghanaian suspects include Isaac Odum and Lazarus Sango, alleged owners of the illegal mining operation, along with Stephen Nkrumah, Kofi Emmanuel, and John Nkrumah. The Burkinabe nationals are Sulemana Naaba, Benjamin Adibanga, and Iddis Rogo. The arrests demonstrate the transnational nature of illegal mining, often involving individuals from neighboring countries.
The police seized various equipment used in the illegal mining process, including five pumping machines, two rubber bowls containing sand suspected to hold gold particles, a gasoline generator, and a gallon of cyanide. The presence of cyanide, a highly toxic chemical, highlights the dangerous nature of illegal mining practices and the potential health risks posed to both miners and the surrounding environment. Cyanide is commonly used in gold extraction but its improper handling and disposal can contaminate water sources and soil, leading to severe environmental damage and health problems. The seizure of this hazardous substance underscores the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent its use in illegal mining operations.
DCOP Abraham Acquaye, the Regional Police Commander, addressed a news conference where he confirmed the arrests and the seizure of the illegal mining equipment and cyanide. He stated that all eight suspects are currently in police custody and will be processed for court proceedings. However, DCOP Acquaye revealed a significant obstacle hindering the prosecution of galamsey-related cases: the prolonged inactivity of the Assin Fosu District Court. Due to the judge’s indisposition, the court has been non-operational for over four months, creating a backlog of cases and forcing the police to grant bail to suspects involved in illegal mining activities. This judicial bottleneck undermines the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and may inadvertently encourage continued illegal mining activities.
The inability to prosecute cases promptly due to the court’s closure poses a significant challenge to the fight against illegal mining in the region. Granting bail to suspects, while necessary due to the circumstances, creates a risk of them absconding or returning to illegal mining operations. This highlights the need for urgent measures to address the judicial bottleneck and ensure the swift prosecution of offenders to deter illegal mining activities effectively. The lack of functioning courts weakens the rule of law and undermines public trust in the justice system, potentially emboldening perpetrators of environmental crimes.
In response to the escalating galamsey menace and the challenges faced by the regional command, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has deployed over 60 personnel from the National Headquarters to bolster the efforts of the Central North Regional Police Command. This reinforcement demonstrates the national government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and its recognition of the need for increased resources and personnel to effectively combat the problem. The deployment aims to enhance operational capacity, improve surveillance and intelligence gathering, and facilitate more effective enforcement against illegal mining activities.
Despite the challenges, DCOP Acquaye reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Central North Regional Police Command to combat galamsey in the area. He called on the public to actively cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely information that could lead to the arrest of individuals involved in illegal mining and other criminal activities, including drug trafficking. Public support and cooperation are crucial for the success of law enforcement efforts. Information sharing can help identify illegal mining sites, apprehend perpetrators, and disrupt the supply chains that support these illicit operations. Community involvement plays a vital role in combating illegal mining and protecting the environment.
