A targeted anti-illegal mining operation in the Ashanti Region has led to the arrest of a church elder accused of supervising an illicit mining site, in what authorities describe as a troubling example of the growing reach of galamsey activities.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) confirmed that the suspect, identified as David Bobie Peter, was apprehended during an enforcement exercise along the Kume River, which cuts across Morso, Kyekyebiase and Bimma near Juaso in the Asante Akyem South District.
According to officials, the operation began with a surprise raid on an illegal mining enclave at Kyekyebiase, where several young men were found actively working.
The miners, however, fled into nearby bush paths upon sighting the approaching task force, leaving behind equipment in their rush to escape.
Despite a pursuit, no arrests were made at that initial stage due to the miners’ familiarity with the terrain.
The task force proceeded to dismantle the site, destroying eight Chanfang machines and four wooden gold-washing platforms.
Several hoses used in the operations were burnt, while twelve water pumping machines were seized.
A subsequent search of the area uncovered evidence of more extensive operations.
Fresh excavator tracks led officers to a nearby cocoa farm, where a concealed excavator was discovered.
Although parts of the machine had already been tampered with, officials rendered it completely unusable.
It was during this sweep that the suspect reportedly approached the task force, claiming he was visiting his farm.
His explanation quickly fell apart after intelligence identified him as a foreman linked to one of the illegal mining sites in the area.
Under questioning, he admitted to overseeing operations at a site in Morso and revealed he had been sent to assess the presence of the task force after news of the raid spread.
He also disclosed that he serves as an elder at a Pentecost church in Konongo.
Acting on his confession, officers were led to another mining site under his supervision, where the environmental impact was described as severe.
Sections of the Kume River had been polluted and diverted to support mining activities.
A second excavator found at the site was also disabled by the team.
The suspect has since been handed over to police in Konongo for further investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS has reiterated its warning to individuals involved in illegal mining, stressing that enforcement efforts will not spare anyone based on social or religious standing.
The agency is also urging local authorities and community leaders to intensify monitoring efforts to curb the destruction of water bodies and farmlands.
Officials say the latest operation highlights the urgent need for a coordinated national response to illegal mining, which continues to pose serious environmental and public health risks.
By 1960news.com
