The Assemblyman for Akyem Akanteng, Henry Owusu Kesse has narrated how 14 persons purported to be national security operatives were arrested over illegal mining popularly called galamsey in the Atewa forest.
The suspects were arrested by some youth for allegedly engaging in illegal mining in the Atewa forest.
The 14 were among 19 persons arrested on Monday at Akyem Akanteng, in the West Akyem municipality of the Eastern Region.
The arrested persons have subsequently been transferred to the National Police Headquarters in Accra for further probe over their involvement in the illegal act.
“A group of boys came to us and said they’ve discovered gold reserve in the Atewa forest, upon hearing that, I announced it to the community especially the youth. We know the President has renewed his commitment to fight galamsey so we quickly inform the district Forestry Commission and the Municipal Chief Executive about the development,” the Assemblyman told Ohene Addo on Plan B FM ‘Nkosuo Nsem’
“Three days ago, we noticed that five vehicles have been parked at the forest, we suspect foul play so we informed the chief and rushed to the scene and saw heavily built men who told us they are from the national security. We asked them to show their credentials but we found out that it was fake. Sensing danger from the large crowd who had gathered, they bolted and we chased them to the bush and arrested them,” he narrated
The information available also indicates that the suspects were initially questioned at the Eastern Regional Police Command before they were sent to Accra for further interrogation.
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