Five individuals, including three Chinese nationals and two Ghanaians, have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities along the River Fum in Assin Ayitey, near Assin Akonfudi in the Assin North District.
The arrests were carried out by the anti-galamsey taskforce of the Central North Regional Police Command as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations in the region.
The suspects have been identified as Duut Kwabena Sakakba, 38; Douglas Nyamekye, 36; Ma Jian, 37; Ma Young, 31; and Ma Haibi, 54.
According to police sources, the group’s mining activities have caused significant pollution to the River Fum, a vital water source for several surrounding communities and other connected water bodies.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.
Authorities say they remain committed to protecting Ghana’s water bodies and natural environment from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
