An Assembly Member for the Aboabo No.2 Electoral Area in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region, Charles Owusu Asante, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, during a joint anti-galamsey operation conducted by the Adansi Asokwa District Mining Taskforce and the Ashanti Regional Security Taskforce.
The arrest forms part of an intensified crackdown on illegal mining operations across the district following growing public concern over the increasing destruction of land and water bodies in the area.
The latest operation was reportedly triggered by a recent media exposé that uncovered active illegal mining activities behind the Agenda 111 Hospital project site at Adansi Asokwa.
According to officials involved in the operation, members of the taskforce stormed portions of the Fum River at Aboabo No.2 after receiving intelligence about ongoing illegal mining activities in the area.
Upon arrival, officers allegedly intercepted a group of illegal miners actively excavating land within the river basin in search of gold.
Taskforce sources disclosed that Charles Owusu Asante and another suspect were allegedly found physically participating in the illegal mining operations during the raid.
The two suspects were immediately arrested and subsequently handed over to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
Authorities say further investigations are underway to determine the extent of their involvement and identify other individuals connected to the illegal operation.
The arrest has generated significant public attention within the district, particularly because the suspect is a serving Assembly Member expected to champion development and environmental protection in the community.
Meanwhile, concerns continue to mount over the growing impact of galamsey activities around the stalled Agenda 111 hospital project at Adansi Asokwa.
Residents say portions of the abandoned project site have now been overtaken by illegal miners who continue to excavate large areas of land, leaving behind dangerous pits and destroying the surrounding environment.
Community members fear the continued mining activities could seriously threaten the future of the health facility and expose nearby communities to flooding during the rainy season.
By 1960news.com
