A National Security team has arrested a group of suspected illegal small-scale miners who were allegedly operating in the Fum River at Aboabo No. 2 in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region.
The operation was confirmed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, who said the suspects were arrested at about 3:00 p.m. following intelligence on their alleged mining activities in the area.
According to the Minister, the group was allegedly led by Charles Owusu Asante, also known as “FOYOH”, who is said to be the Assembly Member for the Aboabo No. 2 Electoral Area in the Adansi Asokwa District.
Suspects Handed Over to Police
Dr Amoakohene stated that the suspects were found engaging in illegal mining activities in the Fum River, a development authorities say threatens water bodies, farmlands and the environment.
He disclosed that the suspects have since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations.
“Yesterday at approximately 3:00 p.m., a National Security team arrested a group of suspected illegal miners led by Charles Owusu Asante, also known as ‘FOYOH’, who is allegedly the assembly member at Aboabo No. 2 Electoral Area in the Adansi Asokwa District,” the Minister wrote.
“The suspects were engaged in illegal mining activities in the Fum River at Aboabo No. 2. They have since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service, and investigations are ongoing,” he added.
Regional Minister Commends Residents
The Regional Minister commended residents for their vigilance and cooperation in helping authorities track suspected illegal mining activities in the area.
He urged the public to continue supporting the fight against galamsey by reporting suspicious mining operations to the appropriate authorities.
Dr Amoakohene also shared a dedicated hotline for reporting illegal mining activities in the region.
“We appreciate the vigilance and cooperation of residents and encourage the public to continue reporting illegal mining activities through our dedicated hotline: +233 55 403 2482,” he said.
Renewed Crackdown on Galamsey
The arrest comes amid renewed efforts by regional and national authorities to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region.
Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has remained one of Ghana’s most serious environmental challenges, particularly because of its impact on rivers, forest reserves, farmlands and drinking-water sources.
In several mining communities, illegal mining has been blamed for the destruction of vegetation, the pollution of rivers and the creation of dangerous open pits.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that mining in water bodies and forest reserves will not be tolerated, especially as government intensifies efforts to restore damaged lands and protect water resources.
Fum River Under Threat
The alleged activity in the Fum River has raised fresh concerns about the continued targeting of water bodies by illegal miners.
Rivers affected by galamsey often become heavily polluted with silt, chemicals and mining waste, making them unsafe for domestic use, farming and aquatic life.
Environmental experts and local authorities have consistently warned that the destruction of rivers through illegal mining could have long-term consequences for communities that depend on them for water, agriculture and livelihoods.
The arrest of the suspects is therefore being viewed as part of a broader enforcement effort to deter illegal miners from operating in sensitive ecological areas.
Public Asked to Support the Fight
Dr Amoakohene appealed to residents, traditional authorities, assembly members and community leaders to support the enforcement campaign by exposing people involved in illegal mining.
He said protecting the environment required cooperation between security agencies and the public.
“Together, we will safeguard the environment for present and future generations,” the Minister stated.
The Regional Minister’s call suggests that intelligence-led operations will remain central to the fight against galamsey in the Ashanti Region.
Investigations Ongoing
The Ghana Police Service is expected to continue investigations into the alleged illegal mining operation, including the role of each suspect and the circumstances under which the group was operating in the Fum River.
Authorities are also expected to determine whether equipment, financiers or other collaborators were involved in the alleged activity.
For now, the suspects remain persons under investigation, and any prosecution will depend on evidence gathered by the police and relevant state agencies.
The case is expected to attract public attention because of the alleged involvement of an elected local government representative.
Call for Accountability
The alleged participation of an assembly member, if confirmed, would raise serious questions about local leadership and the protection of natural resources.
Assembly members are expected to support community development, environmental protection and lawful local governance. Any involvement in illegal mining would therefore represent a major breach of public trust.
However, authorities have not yet announced formal charges, and the suspects are entitled to due process as investigations continue.
The latest arrest sends a strong signal that persons suspected of illegal mining, regardless of their social or political status, may face enforcement action if they are found operating unlawfully.
Source: Kwabena Danso-Dapaah
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