5 Illegal Miners Arrested, 4 Excavators Seized in Wenchi

A task force formed by the Wenchi Traditional Council has apprehended five suspected illegal miners, including one Chinese national, at Wenchi Atuuna in the Bono Region.

The operation, which took place on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 4:40 p.m., also resulted in the seizure of four excavators, two private Ford vehicles (with registration numbers AS 2860-24 and GB 159-22), and two large washing machines.

Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, the Omanhene of the Wenchi Traditional Area, was actively involved in the operation, and his Special Aide, Nana Reindorf Oware, confirmed the arrests.

He revealed that the suspects and the seized equipment had been handed over to the Wenchi police for further investigation and legal action.

Nana Oware explained that the council had directed the police to ensure that the suspects help in covering the illegal mining pits they had created, with the goal of restoring the damaged land.

He stressed the importance of prosecuting the individuals according to the law and ensuring the restoration of the environment. “We expect the police to lead them to restore the degraded lands they destroyed, and we will follow up on the case, even to the Presidency, for justice,” he said.

Describing the events leading up to the arrests, Nana Oware explained that when the task force arrived at the site, the Chinese national, who was driving one of the vehicles, quickly picked up one of the suspects and fled. A task force member followed the vehicle on a motorbike, tracked down their hideout, and alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Upon interrogation, the suspects revealed the name and location of the person behind their operations. The council has since invited this individual to the palace for questioning in connection with the illegal activities. Nana Oware confirmed that the suspects had no permits or legal documents authorizing their mining activities in the area.

The Wenchi Traditional Council has made it a priority to put an end to illegal mining operations on its lands, as such activities have been causing widespread environmental damage, including the destruction of farmlands, forests, and rivers.

This latest operation follows a press statement issued on January 5, 2025, which expressed concern about illegal mining in the area and ordered all miners to vacate their sites. The statement directed that all operations cease immediately and that all mining machinery and equipment be removed. Non-compliance with these directives would result in serious consequences.

The council also urged the public, especially those in Wenchi and surrounding communities, to respect the land and adhere to the laws governing the Wenchi Traditional Area.