Politics & Policy

    15 Galamsey Suspects Arrested Near Obuasi School, 3 Excavators Seized

    A joint security operation apprehended illegal miners following a viral video exposing their activities close to Sanso Methodist School.

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    15 Galamsey Suspects Arrested Near Obuasi School, 3 Excavators Seized
    Fifteen suspected illegal miners, including an alleged kingpin, have been arrested during a joint security operation near the Sanso Methodist School in Obuasi. Authorities also seized three excavators from the illegal mining site. This decisive action came after a viral video circulated on social media, exposing the illicit activities occurring alarmingly close to the school premises. The operation was triggered by the widespread video footage. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, promptly directed security agencies to investigate the claims. This led to the deployment of a joint team comprising National Security operatives, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and military personnel. Illegal mining, locally known as 'galamsey', poses a significant threat to Ghana's environment and economy. It degrades land, pollutes water bodies, and often leads to social unrest. The proximity of this particular operation to a school highlights the reckless disregard for public safety and environmental regulations by these illegal miners. Ghana has been battling galamsey for years, with various government initiatives and security operations launched to curb the menace. Captain (Rtd) John Jabari, the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, confirmed the arrests and seizures on TV3. He stated that the 15 suspects, including the alleged leader, have been transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra. They will assist with ongoing investigations into the illegal mining operation. Preliminary investigations suggest the illegal miners operated for approximately two weeks without detection. This was largely due to the school being on vacation at the time. The Ashanti Regional Minister has now instructed the Regional Reclamation Team to begin restoring the degraded land. Reclamation works are expected to start on August 3 to eliminate potential safety risks for pupils returning to school. The continuous fight against galamsey remains a critical economic and environmental challenge for Ghana. The government's commitment to protecting its natural resources and ensuring public safety is paramount. This incident underscores the need for sustained vigilance and enforcement to deter such illegal activities. Future actions will likely focus on comprehensive land reclamation and stricter monitoring of mining sites, especially those near communities and public infrastructure. The effectiveness of these measures will be crucial in safeguarding Ghana's future.

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