Eastern Region police destroy 10 illegal mining machines and arrest one suspect in Bosuso raid

The Eastern Regional Police Command has destroyed ten illegal mining machines and arrested one suspect following a raid on an unauthorized gold mining site along the Bosuso stream in the Fanteakwa South District.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Agyare Okyere, the Regional Operations Commander, the operation was carried out by the Regional Operations Department after a tip-off from a resident who reported that illegal mining activities were polluting the Bosuso stream—a vital water source for the community.

The informant, who was on his way to his farm near Terpoursi, said he heard the sound of heavy mining equipment around Kpeterfi, a suburb of Bosuso. “I heard the sound of machines near a cocoa farm and decided to check. When I got closer, I saw about ten machines operating with impunity. I quickly recorded a short video before they noticed my presence and fled,” the resident recounted in a video footage shared with the police.

ASP Okyere said officers acted swiftly on the intelligence, arriving at the scene to find extensive environmental damage and abandoned mining equipment. The miners had fled, but one suspect, 46-year-old Abloni Frank, was apprehended and handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department for further questioning.

“All ten changfang machines and other equipment used in the illegal operation were set ablaze,” ASP Okyere stated.

Residents have for years raised alarm over the devastating effects of galamsey on water bodies, farmlands, and livelihoods. The Bosuso stream remains a crucial water source for households and farmers. “We commend the police for their swift intervention,” one resident said, “but we need sustained efforts to stop these miners from returning.”

ASP Okyere urged the public to continue cooperating with the police, emphasising, “Without the tip-off, we wouldn’t have known what was going on. We encourage residents always to inform us so we can work together to curb illegal mining.”

Bosuso, a farming community known for cocoa, oil palm, rice, and sugarcane production, has seen a spike in illegal mining in recent years. Locals fear the environmental destruction could threaten the area’s eco-tourism potential.

Meanwhile, on the Bonkame road, a licensed small-scale miner identified as Flamina, who operates with permits from the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was recently ordered by the EPA to suspend operations due to improper mining practices. However, residents claim illegal mining continues at night on the same concession.

A teacher living along the stretch told the Ghana News Agency that the miners’ nighttime activities often deprive residents of sleep. “Now and then, we hear the sound of machines and see familiar faces in town involved in the act. It’s disturbing,” he said.

The Eastern Regional Police Command has since intensified surveillance in the Fanteakwa South area, assuring residents of its commitment to fighting illegal mining, protecting the environment, and safeguarding lives and property.